
Class _^_5.M2^ 
Book •jSZIJ^ 



CopyiightN". 



./f^f- 



COPYFSIGHT DEPOSrn 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 






prince ^nh profligate 



a ©rama 3n four actjs 



IS? 




if mnfe Sl^ilton f ranUUn 



New York 
SAMUEL FRENCH 

P IT B L I S H E U 

24 WEST 2-2r, STREET 



London 

SAMUEL FRENCH, Ltd. 

26 South A.^iPTov Street 

STEAND 




j LIBRARY of CONGiBESS 
Tyvo Copies Heceivea 

JAN 7 1908 

viot/yrieiii tnim 
July 7 I^Ot-f 
0USS;D XXc. No, 

COPY B. 



Copyright, 1904, by 
FEANK MILTON FRANKLIN 



Caution: — Professionals and Amateurs are hereby notified tliat 
tliis play is fully copyrighted under the existing: laws of 
the United States Government, and nobody is allowed to 
do this play without first havinjj obtained permission of 
Frank M. Franklin, Counsellor-at-Law, New York City. 



PREFACE 

This play was written for the stage and was 
submitted for production to a few managers, who, 
after keeping it for a year or so, gave me to 
understand that, while it is a very good drama, 
they did not care to put their money on the work 
of a mere novice, when they could obtain plays 
from accredited dramatists, losing sight of the 
fact that the play itself " is the real thing " and 
must stand or fall upon its own merits. 

If we take into consideration the different kinds 
of plays which the ordinary public patronize, it is 
certain that no rule can be laid down as to what 
the average theater goer actually wants, nor can 
anyone say with any degree of certainty that any 
worthy dramatic effort would not prove both an 
artistic and financial success, if properly put on 
the stage, and unless the promising beginner is 
given a chance to begin, there will be no one to 
replace the established authors, who have come for- 
ward under more favorable conditions. 

It is partly with the idea of saving this play 
from utter oblivion to which the untried play- 
wright's work is generally confined, and partly in 
the hope of changing in some slight degree the 
attitude of some of our managers toward the un- 
known playwright, that this drama is published. 



PERIOD OF THE PLAY 

Acts I and II Take Place in the Year 1398. 
Acts III and IV Occur in the Year 1401. 

SCENES 

Act I 

A chamber in the Royal Apartment.i at the 

Ahhey of the Holy Cross. 

Act II 

The Garden in tJic Ahhey. 

Act III 

Courtyard of the Thistle Tavern. 

Act IV 

A dungeon in Faulldand Castle. 

Place 
Edinburgh and vicinity, Scotland. 



PERSONS REPRESENTED 

Robert III, King of Scotland. 

David, Duke of Rothsay, his so7i, the Prince of Scotland. 

Robin, Duke of Albany, the King\'i brother. 

Archibald, Earl of Douglas. 

George Dunbar, Earl of March. 

Sir John Ramorny, Master of Horse, to the Duke of 

Rothsay. 
The Laird of Glencove, a friend of the Prince. 
McLewis, Captain of Brandane Guard. 
The Lady Douglas, wife of Archibahl Douglas. 
]VL\RJORY, her daughter. 
Elizabeth, daughter of the Earl of March. 
Bonthune 
Peter 
Errol 
Ritchie 
Oliphant 
A Page. 

The Host of the Thistle Tavern. 
A Soldier of the Brandane Guard. 

Pages, Brandane Guards, Retainers of the House 

of Douglas, Followers of Prince Rothsay, 

Glee Women, Minstrels, etc. 



Followers of Sir John Ramorny. 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 



ACT I 



Scene. — A chamber of the Royal Apartments in 
the Abbey of the Holy Cross. Arched Gothic 
entrance C. D. F. Door R. 2. E. Large 
stained-glass windozcs L. 2. E. and L. 3. E. 
On R. a state chair on pedestal slightly ele- 
vated, surmounted by a canopy, emblazoned 
•with the royal escutcheon. Massive table 
L. C., xcith high-backed chairs near by. A 
crutch-headed ebony staff near chair of state. 
Other chairs arranged about the room. 
Tapestries and Scotch standards on walls 
and near tvindows and doors; armor, spears, 
shields, and trophies of the chase also hung 
abotit the walls. Foot cloth or carpet, etc. 

Time. — Forenoon. Sunshine effects through ivin- 
doxcs. 

Discovered. — King Robert, a gentle, lame old 
man of about sixty, sitting on chair of state. 
The Duke of Albany stands near by. (Al- 
bany is a crafty, round-shouldered, smooth- 
speaking and hypocritical man of about fifty- 
five.) 

1 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

King 

Pray, speak forth, brother, speak forth ! What 
is thy new complaint 'gainst the Prince? 

Albany 

Sire, I would fain forego the very painful task 
of bringing our Rothsay's new offense to Your 
Majesty's notice. — Yet his victims cry out for 
redress to me, wliile Scotland's King alone hath 
power to curb the Prince of Scotland. 

King 

We must learn the nature of his misdeeds, ere 
we can provide a remedy 'gainst them. 

Albany 

An' you'll have me speak? — Then must I in- 
form Your Majesty that on Monday last, while 
the McPherson was sitting justice on a case of 
treason 'gainst the state, His Royal Highness 
broke in upon the solemn proceeding and with 
drawn sword, violently set free the culprit, who, 
it sorrows me to say, is one of the Prince's own 
comrades in brawling, drinking, and much worse. 
— Such acts needs must work direst injury to our 
royal house. 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

King 

Alas, you say but too true. — I fear we have 
been o'er-lenlent with the willful lad. — Yea, we 
must seek means to curb his folly. 

Albany 

Sire, most sorely was I grieved when I learned 
of this latest transgression. — Our dear Rothsay 
still hath many princely qualities, and I have, of 
late, reflected with much concern for his future. 

King 

Thy solicitude for our son is well known to 
us, dear brother. Pray acquaint us with the con- 
clusion of thy deliberation in his behalf. 

Albany 

My gracious sovereign, the decision hath forced 
itself upon me, that the most effective means to 
check his wild spirits would be to remove the 
Prince from the turbulent influences that are near 
the Court. 

King 

How now, Albany? Wouldst thou counsel me 
to banish my own son? 

S 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Albany 

Heaven forefend, sire ! I do but advise that 
Your Majesty place him under such restraint for 
a time, that he be parted from his disorderly com- 
panions. 

King 

Methinks 'twere easier to part these disorderly 
companions from the Prince. I have no scruples 
about sending away his master of the horse, Sir 
John Ramorny, who, I verily believe, is at the 
root of all his follies. 

Albany 

Good my liege. Sir John is but a tool in the 
hands of Rothsay. It were unjust to punish the 
man for the fault of the master, withal there are 
scores of other wild blades about the Court, who 
minister to the follies of the Prince. 



King 

But part from my Davy I cannot. The lad 
hath ever been the chief consolation of my sor- 
rowful life, and though his youthful spirits o'er- 
flow at times, still he hath in him the mettle of 
the Royal Bruce. 

4 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Albany 

[^WitJi forced sigh.'\ 
Ah, that his youthful spirits should so com- 
pletely dominate him of late. 



King 

Then the task of leading the hapless youth back 
in the right path devolves on us. Neither sense 
nor discretion doth our son lack — 

[^Clattering' of horses, clashing of arms, 
murmurs, shouts, etc., heard gradually 
approaching from without. The King 
is startled. Albany crosses inquiringly 
toward the tcindo'ws L. 2. E.'\ 
What means this unseemly tumult so near our 
person ? 

Albany 

[At window L. 2. £.] 
Alas, 'tis even that same discreet and sensible 
youth at the head of his indiscreet followers. 



King 

How? My son David, leader of that noisy 
riot ? 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Albany 

\_With deep regret.'] 
Yea, my Lord King, even the Lieutenant of 
Scotland, whose duty it is to preserve the King- 
dom's peace. 

King 

Has the boy lost all sense of decorum, to brawl 
thus at our very threshold? . . . Bid McLewis 
send him to us on the instant. 

[Albany bows and exits C. D. F. The 
noise from without gradually subsides.] 

King 

[With deep sigh.] 
Oh, that my burdens should increase as my 
strength of endurance declines. Ah, that my son, 
on whom my failing strength would fain repose, 
should only add to the weary load that is grad- 
ually crushing out my life. 

'[A horn is heard from without. The King 

raises his head and listens.] 
[Albany re-enters C. D. E.] 

Albany 

[Speaking as he enters.] 
I have dispatched a messenger for the Prince. 

6 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

King 

'Tis well. Was that the horn of the Earl of 
March ? 

Albany 

Even so, my Hege, George of Dunbar and his 
daughter have this moment arrived. 

King 

The Earl's presence with his daughter is most 
opportune. 

Albany 

Nay, pardon, my royal brother. To me it 
seems most inopportune that one of Your Maj- 
esty's greatest liegemen should witness the indec- 
orous conduct of the heir of Scotland. Oh, that 
we should never hear of scandal or brawling in 
the Kingdom without finding our princely nephew 
privy to it. 

King 

Would I could gainsay you. — But instead of 
dwelling upon Rothsay's faults, methinks we are 
rather called upon to find means for abating them. 
— Now were it not good policy to test the re- 
straining influence of a wife's affection upon the 
Prince? 

7 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Albany 

[Tr//o docs not like the idea.'\ 
Er — a wife can make, as well as unmake, a man. 
[Footsteps, etc., have been heard off C. D. 

F., and now the Earl of Maech is 

heard from without.'^ 

March 

Await me in the antechamber. 

[Page draws curtains aside and announces 
" Robert of Dunbar, Earl of March,^^ 
as that distinguished nobleman and 
Elizabeth of Dunbar (a modest young 
maiden) enter C. D. F. Page bows and 
exits as they advance into chamber.^ 

King 

Welcome, ever welcome to our Court, my noble 
lord. 

March 

\_Bowing with much deference as he ap- 
proaches the King.] 
And I am ever joyous to greet my gracious 
liege. 

[Taking Elizabeth by the hand.^ 
By Your Majesty's leave, I would fain present 
my daughter. 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

King 

So, this is the fair Elizabeth of March. 

[Elizabeth courtesys to the King.] 
Approach, gentle maid; thou and I should be 
better acquainted. 

[Elizabeth approaches shyly and kisses 
the King's hand.l 

March 
[To Albany.] 
And how is it with Your Grace to-day? 

Albany 
[Coolly.'] 
Well — I thank you, my lord. 

March 
[Presenting him to Elizabeth.] 
Here, child, is our noble Duke of Albany, of 
whom thou hast heard so much. 

[Elizabeth knits her brows as she cour- 
tesys slightly.] 

Albany 
I have much pleasure in saluting thee, pretty 
damsel. 

[Takes her hand and bends over as if about 
to kiss it. Elizabeth involuntarily 
shrinks back.] 
9 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

March 

I beseech Your Grace's pardon — the maiden Is 
not practiced in gallantries of the Court. 

Albany 

I warrant the Court gallants will soon make 
her an adept in all these practices. 

King 

[To Elizabeth.] 
Thy face seems most familiar to us. Hast thou 
been at Court before.'' 

Elizabeth 

Nay, sire; but Your Majesty honored us with 
your gracious presence at Dunbar Castle, some 
five years since. 

King 

[SmiUng reminiscently .'\ 
I do remember me now. Our son David was 
with us at the time. Ah, the poor laddie wept 
lustily when the time for parting came. 

Elizabeth 
[Shyly.'] 
The little Prince and I had become fast friends. 

10 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

King 

Meantime the little Prince hath grown to stal- 
wart manhood ; I warrant thou wilt scarce recog- 
nize him when presently he enters. 

Elizabeth 

[l7i a flutter.l 
How? — Is Rothsay, — the Prince, coming hith- 
er? 

King 

Even so, my pretty lass. I have but now or- 
dered his attendance upon a matter that may con- 
cern a certain damsel. 

March 

[ir/io has noticed Elizabeth's nervous- 
ness, places his hand upon her reassur- 
ingly/, after which he addresses the 
King.] 
Then, may it please Your Majesty to grant 
leave for me to conduct the maiden through the 
gardens of the Abbey, until this matter is dis- 
patched? 

King 

Thou hast good leave, my noble lord. 
[To Elizabeth.] 
11 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

I shall be most happy to acquaint Rothsay of 
thy presence here, — he will be overjoyed to meet 
his old young friend. 

[Elizabeth courtesys.'\ 

March 

We are much beholden to Your Majesty. 

[They how to the King and Albany, and 
exeunt C. D. G.] 

King 

\_Smiles as he looks after them, then to 
Albany.] 
Hast noted how the damsel spoke of our son? 
I opine 'twere no difficult task to gain her consent 
to a marriage with the Prince. 

Albany 

I fear not — that is, I fear she were no fit bride 
for the Prince. Your Majesty must have marked 
that she lacks the ease of gentle nurture. 

King 

Nay, 'twas but maidenly modesty ; to me she 
seems well worthy of our son's affections. — With- 
al, the Earl of March doth covet greatly an alli- 
ance with our Royal House. 
12 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Albany 

And the still more powerful Earl of Douglas 
hath a like ambition. No sooner was it rumored 
that Dunbar would bring his daughter to Court, 
than a like report was issued from the House of 
Douglas concerning the Lady Marjory- Either 
of these chieftains would be wroth to hear of our 
forming an alliance with the other. 



King 

Perforce, — I can do no more than extend to 
Rothsay the choice between the maidens. 

Albany 

But what, sire, if the Prince will choose 
neither? He is ever loath to relinquish what he 
terms his precious liberty — the mere fact of be- 
ing commanded to a course hath oft spurred his 
disobedience. 

King 

How? Disobey our royal command? By my 
scepter, I would e'en follow thy counsel and ban- 
ish him from our Court, were he thus wantonly 
to disregard his duty to us. 

13 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Albany 
A plan most wise, my royal brother. " He that 
loveth his son chastiseth him betimes." 
[McLewis heard off i?.] 

McLewis 
Room! Make room for the Prince! 

King 
[Brightening up.^ 
Ah, my son. — But no. — He shall not find me 
over-indulgent this day. 

[Assumes a frown as Roths ay enters 
briskly C. D. F. Page holds curtains 
and bows to him as he passes, then exits 
C. D. F. Rothsay is young, handsome, 
gay, dashing, clever and full of life.'\ 

Rothsay 
[Advancing toward Kikg, salutes.^ 
Happiness and peace, my royal father. 

King 
[With forced anger. '\ 
How may thy father enjoy happiness or peace 
when thou dost naught but bring sorrow and dis- 
grace upon his head? Oh, David, I am immeas- 
urably displeased with thee. 

14> 



PRIXCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Prince 
And wherefore, father? 

l^Seeing Albany.'\ 
Ah, I need not seek far for the cause of thy 
displeasure 'gainst me, when our " loving " Uncle 
of Albany is so near Your INlajesty's person. 

Albany 
[After repressing his anger.'] 
Why dost thou blame me instead of thy own 
lewd spirits, fair nephew? 

Prince 
[^Somewhat mockingly.'] 
Because thou canst not throw dust into mine 
eyes, " most fair " uncle. 

Albany 
Have I not by word and deed endeavored to 
place thee on the road of honor? 

Prince 

Heaven forfend that thy road to honor should 
ever become mine ! 

Albany 
l^Sighs then "with piety.] 
Verily, 'tis well writ : " A scorner loveth not 
the one that doth reprove him." 
15 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Prince 

[^Sighing with mock piety. '\ 
Is it not also writ : " The counsels of the wicked 
are deceit"? Beshrew me, uncle, full cognizant 
am I of him who never rests from sowing the seeds 
of discord 'twixt my father and myself. 

I 
King 

Peace, boy ! — If kith and kin dwell not in amity, 
where then shall we find it? — Son David, it hath 
reached our ears that thou hast most grievously 
injured our dignity and trampled upon the pub- 
lic justice by setting free a culprit charged with 
a grave offense 'gainst the state. 

Prince 

Sire, the man committed no graver offense than 
to strike an insolent emissary of my Lord of Al- 
bany, who had proffered insult to my name. 

King 

An excuse at fault! — What right hast thou to 
intermeddle with the administration of our laws? 
If injustice were done, thou couldst have obtained 
the man's freedom from us, without calling down 
upon thee the censure of all law-abiding subjects. 

16 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

ROTHSAY 

In sooth, I thought not of that, and repent 
me, father. 

KlXG 

Too oft hast thou repented and promised to 
amend. But the burden of carrying out these 
promises seems too weighty for thy single shoul- 
ders. Resolved am I, therefore, thou shalt take 
a companion for life, who will doubtless help thee 
keep thy good resolutions. 

RoTHSAY 

A life companion.'* — Surely Your Majesty 
would not have me wed.^* — Why, the yoke of 
Hymen in itself is a greater burden than any 
I had to bear thus far. 

King 
Nay, my dear son, a good wife is ever a bless- 
ing, not a burden. Such a one you may choose 
'twixt the fair daughters of Dunbar and Douglas. 

Prince 
A fair choice, gracious sire, but the choosing 
is unfair; — am I to be confined to two damsels 
to the exclusion of all the rest of their sex, when 
the one I would wed should be beloved above all 
others ? 

17 



PRIXCE AND PROFLIGATE 

King 

'Tis needless for thee to love a maiden ere she 
be thy wife. — Moreover, thou art scarcely pressed 
in this affair, since thy choice lies 'twixt the two 
worthiest damsels in the kingdom, one of whom 
thou wert most fond of some five years since. 

Prince 

Children's meeting is oft love at sight, and dis- 
appears almost as quickly as it comes. 

King 

That lovable child hath blossomed into most 
witching maidenhood since then. I verily believe 
thou hast but to behold Dunbar's daughter once 
more, to appreciate her worth. 

Prince 

I question much whether the enchanting little 
damsel deems me worthy of her. — Withal, father, 
I am too young to be immured so soon within 
marital walls. 

King 
[^Angrily.'] 
But not too young to have made thy licentious 
pranks a byword in the kingdom. — Albany, thou 
hast truly prophesied that being commanded to 

18 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

a course would spur him on to disobedience. — Oh, 
thus wantonly to cross our dearest wishes. 

[Albany has nodded his head gravely in 

acquiescence during the foregoing and 

noxv sighs deeply.^ 



Prince 

Oh, if Your Majesty be so strongly determined 
to have me wed, I will e'en spare my dear Uncle 
of Albany further sighs, and submit to Your 
Majesty's will. 

King 

I expected no less from thee, my dearest son. 

\_Church bells heard off i?.] 
Hark ! the bells are calling us to prayer. Wilt 
attend service with us.'' 



Pkince 

Pray excuse me, father, my mind Is now too 
much occupied with worldly matters. 



Albany 

Alas, that those who walk in the path of evil 
and need prayer most, should find it so difficult 
to turn into the way of righteousness. 

19 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Prince 

Tis passing strange. — And yet, going to 
church is not always walking in the path of 
righteousness. My pious Uncle of Albany doth 
oft " gang " to a church. 

[Imitates Albany's hypocritical manner 
during last part of foregoing.^ 



King 

[Laughing as he rises.^ 
He hath thee on the hip there, brother. 

[Albany, who has clenched his fists dur- 
ing the foregoing, now forces sickly 
laugh. ^ 

Prince 

[Approaching with love.'\ 
I would fain offer Your Majesty my arm as 
far as the chapel. 

King 

I give thee thanks, my son. 

[To Albany, as they cross towards C. D. 

Wilt not join us in prayer.'' 
20 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Albany 

I shall be pleased to attend Your Majesty 
forthwith — 

[King and Prince exeunt C. D. F.] 
[Albany, "whose features have changed 
as they exeunt, speaks with repressed 
rage.^ 
How long, oh, how long, am I to bear the af- 
fronts of that insolent boy, and this doting weak- 
ling of a king, who tenders countenance to him? 
Were I not more fit to guide the helm of state? 

Ramorny 

[Who has entered R. 2. E., during the 
last part of the foregoing.'\ 
Aye, most truly, Your Grace. 

[Sir John Ramorny is a cool, cynical, 
and impudent man, speaks slowly and 
insinuatingly. One of his hands is miss- 
ing and he wears a stuffed glove, fixed 
in a natural position at his side. At 
times he chuckles in a peculiar^ malicious 
and cynical manner.^ 

Albany 
[Startled.] 
The devil ! 

21 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Sir John 

Not that gentleman In person, but his — I mean 
Your Highness's — humble emissary ! 

Albany 
What wouldst have, Ramorny? 

Sir John 

That, Your Grace, which annuls want: money, 
clinking coin. 

Albany 

Did I not grant thee two hundred gold angels 
a short week since? 

Sir John 

Those angels have taken flight. Your Highness ! 
Gold flees fast when it is in attendance upon the 
most extravagant Prince in Christendom. 

Albany 

I fear my expenditures have been all for naught. 
The King hath resolved to wed the Prince either 
to Dunbar's or Douglas's daughter. 
22 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Sir John 

There is naught to fear in that, if we alone 
could provide the right-wrong wife for Rothsay 
— he, lie ! Rumor doth picture Douglas's daugh- 
ter the greatest shrew in the Kingdom. The 
Prince once wedded to her, will more than ever 
turn to me and his other jovial and loose com- 
panions. And thus will he continue to lose the 
countenance of our nobles and the love of the 
people. 

Albany 

Yea, it behooves us at least to see that Rothsay 
weds Marjory of Douglas, if wed he must. — Al- 
beit, my good Ramorny, at present the Prince is 
the only real obstacle 'twixt the crown and my- 
self, were " aught " to happen to the King. 

Sir John 

Then must we double our efforts to dispatch 
Rothsay to Kingdom Come ere he weds : — death 
alone can wipe out his ingratitude to me after 
losing this good hand for his wantonness. 

[Indicate ft the stuffed glove fastened at 
his side.'\ 

Albany 

Ah, if the Lord would but deliver him into our 
hands, then it would be no difficult matter to reach 
23 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

the throne. — Yet must I caution thee against acts 
of open violence that might reflect on us — 
[McLewis enters C. D. F.] 



McLewis 

My gracious Lord, the Lady Douglas and her 
daughter crave an audience of the King. 



Albany 

Ah, in good time! — Show them in. 

[McLewis bows and exits R. 3. £.] 



Albany 

[^Crossing R. with Sib John]. 
This way, my gentle Ramorny. We may now 
test the temper of Douglas's daughter. 

[Sir John chuckles in assent as they ex- 
eunt R. 2. E.] 

[Page draws tapestry aside and announces 
the Lady Douglas and Lady Marjory, 
as they enter C. D. F.] 

[^The Lady Douglas is buxom, frigid, and 
about fifty years old. Marjory is a 
high-spirited, haughty, and shrewish 
brunette.'l 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Lady Douglas 

[Tr^o has advanced ceremoniously into the 
room, holding Marjory hy the hand; 
perceives the chair of state to he empty. \ 
How comes this? No one here to receive us? 

Marjory 

\^Vith repressed rage.'\ 
What a gross affront to our noble house ! And 
have they so small regard for the Douglas? 
Where — where is the insolent knave who showed 
us hither? By St. Bride of Bothwell — 

[^Advances threateningly toward C. D. F.] 

Lady Douglas 

[^Detaining her.^ 
Peace, Marjory! Pray be patient. When thou 
art the Prince's consort thou mayest well discover 
a fitting occasion to repay this slight. 

Marjory 

That shall never be ! I will not be cast into 
the power of this princely libertine. 

Lady Douglas 

Peace, peace, daughter, or thou wilt undo all 
our most cherished plans. 
25 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Marjory 

[Scornfully, and almost in tears.'\ 
Thy plans, indeed ! A most kindly arrange- 
ment to bring me hither for inspection to this 
prince of profligates. Had you for sale a hawk 
or a horse, I warrant me we'd have received bet- 
ter treatment — oh! 

l^She has torn off her fan, which has he- 
come entangled in her girdle during the 
foregoing, and now throws it down on 
table impatiently. '\ 

Lady Douglas 

Art mad, wench? Is this the place to exhibit 
thy choler? 

Marjory 

\_Low and tearfully. '\ 
Oh, I care not — I care not who hears me say 
that I care naught, naught for this wanton Duke 
of Rothsay. 

Lady Douglas 

Ah, go to — willful maid ! Have I not heard 
thee hum a kindlier tune of the " noble and gen- 
tle " Prince? Know I not that he alone is lord of 
thy heart? 

26 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Marjory 

I did entertain feelings of kindness for him 
prior to my discovery that he lacks both morals 
and manners. But I shall wipe out all that. 
Come, let us back to our lodging, since we find 
no welcome here. 

Albany 

\^Advancing from R. 2. £.] 
Hearty greetings, noble dame and fair damsel ! 
His Majesty delegated to me the pleasant task 
of welcoming his noble guests. 

Marjory 

[With a sneer. 1 
Is it not consistent with the dignity of the 
crown to greet the wife and daughter of mighty 
Douglas in person? 

Albany 

I cry you mercy, fair lady, the King was at 
prayer when your Ladyship arrived. 

Lady Douglas 

Oh, for shame, child ! 

[Then to Albany.] 
I pray you heed her not, my gracious lord; 
the maid is much disturbed by fatigue. 
27 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Albany 

Then would I fain offer to Your Ladyship both 
rest and refreshment in yonder chamber. 
^Indicates back.^ 

Lady Douglas 

We are much bounded to Your Grace. 

[Albany draws tapestry aside, C. D. F., 
for Lady Douglas, who courtesys gra- 
ciously as she exits. She is followed by 
IMakjory, who proudly carries her head 
in the air. Albany smiles with satis- 
faction and exits after them. Ramorny 
advances, chuckling, from R. 2. E.'\ 

Ramorny 

By my knighthood, the very wife for Rothsay ! 
Her " mild " disposition would drive the doughti- 
est man to dissipation, much less a weakling like 
our Prince, He, he! 

[Prince enters R. 2. E.'\ 

Sir John 

[Ow perceiving him.'\ 
Ah, my sweet Prince, from whence came you? 

28 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Prince 

l^With mock solemnity.'\ 
From church, my good Sir John. I withdrew, 
unperceivcd, the moment the excellent bishop be- 
gan to preach upon the prodigal. 
[^Indicates himself .^ 
You seemed o'er merry as I came in ! 

Sir John 

l^ChuckUng.^ 
And why not, when I succeeded in ruffling His 
Graceless Grace of Albany anent the Daughter of 
Douglas, who was here a short while since. Be- 
shrew me, Rothsay, she is the rarest maiden in 
Scotland. 

Prince 

Pray inform me if the damsel be fair as well 
as rare. 

Sir John 

Fair is but a weak term to describe a paragon ! 
In sooth, she is the most bewitching, sweetest, 
" gentlest " and most celestial of all damsels. 

Rothsay 

A right good lass ! If she be all that you de- 
scribe, then will both love and duty guide me into 
her good graces. 

29 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Sir John 

Troth, Your Royal Highness is there ah'eady. 
Ah, my dear Prince, I would you had heard with 
what graceful terms she graced your princely 
person ! 

Prince 

Thou hast filled me with desire to meet this 
rare paragon. 

Sir John 

That is easily effected. As good fortune would 
have it, the maid left her fan behind, 

{^Pick's it up frovi chair. ^ 
ere she departed for the antechamber, and I doubt 
not, would be most pleased to have Scotland's 
Prince return it to her. 



Prince 

[Taking fan.'\ 
Ah, thou art a jewel, Ramorny. 

[Marjory re-enters C. D. F. Starts on 
perceiving Prince, then looks around 
the room, trying to appear uncon- 
cerned.^ 

30 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Sir John 

[/n whisper to Prince.] 
'Tis she! 

l^Makes a significant gesture for him to ad- 
vance to her and exits R. 2. E.'\ 

Prince 

[Advancing to her, proffering fan.'\ 
Art perchance seeking this — most fair lady? 

Marjory 

[Taking fan from him.'\ 
I thank thee, Sir Prince. 

[Crosses as if to exit C. D. F.] 

Prince 

Nay — tarry a while, gentle mistress. 

Marjory 

[Turning halfway aroimd.'\ 
What is Your Royal Highness's pleasure with 
me.'' 

Prince 

[Taking her hand familiarly, and drawing 
near her.^ 
But to please thee, my bonnie lass. 
81 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Marjory 
[Withdrawing her hand.'\ 
I am far from being thy " bonnie lass," and it 
doth not please me to have thee quite so near. 

Prince 
Ha, ha, ha! Thy dear self is likely to be all 
mine ere long. 

[Secures her hands and proceeds play- 
fully.'] 
Knowst thou not that this fair hand hath been 
proffered unto me? 

Marjory 

[Offended.] 
Proffered, my Lord? Your Highness is pleased 
to make game of sacred things. 

Prince 
Ah, 'tis best to jest with Dan Cupid. The little 
imp oft becomes a tyrant if we regard him sa- 
credly, so let us make merry while we may. 
[Drawing her toward him playfully.] 
Thou hast no reason to be coy with me, sweet 
damsel. For denying me thy fair hand, I shall 
e'en make bold to taste those tempting lips, 

[Kisses her on head in the attempt to kiss 
her on lips.] 

32 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Marjory 
[TF^o has tried to disengage herself.'\ 
Oh ! How darest thou ! 

l^Throzcs him off passionately. '\ 
Thou wilt find my hand about thy ears, insolent 
Prince, if thou darest approach me again. 

Prince 
I — I believe it no harm to kiss one who was 
like to become my wife. — Art thou in sooth Mar- 
jory, the gentle daughter of the Earl of Douglas? 

Marjory 
For cert, my father is called Earl of Douglas, 
but I was not aware they had surnamed me " the 
gentle." 

Prince 
I cry you mercy, fair lady, I knew not that the 
surname " gentle " would offend Your Ladyship. 

Marjory 
Art resolved upon insulting me, Sir Prince? 

Prince 
Oh, not so, fair maid. Indeed, I regret that 
Your Ladyship should choose to be insulted by 
all I say and do. 

33 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

IMarjory 

And how should I be otherwise? Dost think 
a maiden of gentle nurture can be approached in 
like manner as a tavern hussy? 

Prince 

Had I known my gallantry would be thus re- 
sented, I had not ventured near Your Ladyship. 

Marjory 

It is thy lack of gallantry that I do resent, thy 
insolent air of easy conquest. — A maid would fain 
be wooed ere she is won. — And so, let us hope 
thou wilt learn to amend thy manners. 

l^Courtesys slightly and exits C. D. F.] 

Prince 

[^Stares after her for a moment, then mut- 
ters angrily. '\ 
A murrain seize Ramorny. How dare he rec- 
ommend this Xantippe to me? By St. Andrew, 
I am resolved to have no more of it. 

[^Crosses as if to exit C. D. F., when the 
Earl, of March and Elizabeth appear 
at C. D. F. Both Elizabeth and 
Prince start on recognizing each 
other. '\ 

34 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

March 

\_As they advance into cha7nber.'\ 
Health and joy, gracious Prince. 

Prince 

Greetings, my noble lord, to you — and to your 
fair daughter. 

March 

I'm rejoiced to see Your Highness hath not for- 
gotten the playfellow of thy tender years. 

Prince 

Ah, my lord, I could never forget the peerless 
Lady Elizabeth of Dunbar, though I know not 
whether she cares to be remembered by me. 

[Elizabeth starts forward as if to speak, 
hut stops short on recalling herself .^ 

March 

I fear we owe Your Grace an explanation : Our 
nurse informed me as we prepared for our jour- 
ney hither, that she oft intercepted love tokens 
that Your Highness sent, after visiting us at Dun- 
bar Castle, This she did, believing that our child 
was too young to play at Cupid's game. 
35 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Prince 

And I believed my youthful affections were 
spurned, and for many a day railed about the 
inconstancy of all womankind. 

March 

I humbly crave Your Highness's pardon for 
our nurse. 

Prince 

'Tis freely granted, my noble lord, since 'tis 
not too late to pick up the threads of our game 
of hearts. In sooth, the King well knew that I 
had but to behold the charming Lady Elizabeth 
once more to appreciate her great worth. 

March 

I am rejoiced to hear that my gracious sover- 
eign entertains so favorable an opinion of my 
daughter, and shall seek an early occasion to 
thank His Majesty. 

Prince 

[Designedly. 1 
The King is at present in the chapel, where 
he would doubtless be most pleased to see Your 
Lordship join his distinguished retinue. 

36 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

March 

And meanwhile will Your Royal Highness 
grant me leave to trust my daughter to your 
care? 

Pkixce 

I am most bound to Your Lordship for so fair 
a charge. 

March 

Then will I rejoin His Majesty forthwith. 

\^Bozts and exits C. D. F.] 

[Clioir of monks and nuns, organ, etc., is 
heard during the following. Prince 
now advances eagerly toward Eliza- 
beth, who has also advanced impulsively 
toward him, hut stops short on recall- 
ing herself, and casts her eyes down.^ 



Prince 

And so we're alone once more. Ah, It doth 
seem like those glad days of yore, when we were 
wont to steal away so that we might frolic where 
no one else was nigh. 

l^Gives a boyish laugh, which ends in a 
sigh.] 

37 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Elizabeth 
[With pout.] 
Methinks Your Highness made but little effort 
to shorten all these years. 

Prince 
But thou knowest that the fault was not en- 
tirely my own, gracious lady. Withal, I most 
humbly crave forgiveness for ever doubting thee. 

Elizabeth 
I'm forced to grant it, for in good sooth I'm 
guilty of a like fault toward Your Royal High- 
ness. 

Prince 
Nay, nay, I protest. Thou art faultless in all, 
sweet saint. 

Elizabeth 
[Look'mg down shyly.] 
I perceive thou hast learned to flatter since last 
we met. 

Prince 
I were dull indeed if I remained insensible to 
thy many rare charms, so far above any eulogy 
my speech would fain attempt. The most a 
Prince can hope for is to worship at so heavenly, 
so exquisite a shrine. 

38 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Elizabeth 

\^With deep, girlish concern-l 
Ah me ! I — I have heard of a Prince who doth 
worship at many shrines. 

Pkince 

Nay, most bewitching lass, by my soul I swear 
I've never known true love away from thee. 

Elizabeth 

I beseech Your Grace to take heed, for my heart 
is apt to believe thee, though all the world speaks 
to the contrary. 

Prince 

Then still barken unto the dictates of thy heart 
which alone can feel for mine. Ah, fairest of the 
fair, when thy lovely eyes once more encountered 
mine, in a flash my boyish affection for the child 
sprang into ardent, manly love for the most 
beauteous of maids — a powerful love that would 
be sure to resist all temptation. — Oh, Elizabeth, 
I know that in thy purity and goodness I could 
drown all that is evil within me, and if thou wilt 
only vouchsafe to reign in my heart, my being 
must become engrafted with naught but what is 
noble and worthy of thee. 

39 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Elizabeth 

[/w rapture, murm^crs.'] 
Oh, Prince ! 

\_Then shyly, looking down at ■firsts'] 
Perchance 'twere more maidenlike to dissemble 
a while, but I — I cannot. I needs must avow that 
since Your Highness's presence dawned upon me 
at Dunbar Castle, every pulse of my being, each 
throb of my heart has been beating for thee — only 
for thee. Night and day I dreamed of the time 
when we should meet once more ; thy image was 
ever before me, for thou, thou alone art the idol 
of my existence. 

Prince 

[TT^Ao has secured Elizabeth's hand dur- 
ing the foregoing, now draws her shrink- 
ing form toward him with great tender- 
ness.^ 
Ah, thou art indeed mine — mine forever more. 

\^She sighs in ecstasy and looks up toward 
him full of trust, zchereupon he bends 
over and kisses her in rapture.^ 

[After their lips meet there is heard at a 
little distance the solemn clang of a 
heavy church hell, out of tune with the 
choir of the monks and nuns, which has 
swelled into the ominous melody of 
40 



PRIXCE AND PROFLIGATE 

" Dies Irce." Elizabeth is somewhat 
startled; Prince draws her closer to 
him, smiling at her reassuringly; the 
clang of the bell is repeated at regular 
intervals. The glow of the sun from 
window illumines Elizabeth and the 
Prince.] 

Curtain 



41 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 



ACT II 

Scene. — The garden in the Ahhey of the Holy 
Cross, .with lofty trees on B. and L. Stone 
bench underneath tree L. C. Vine-covered 
portal R. Jf.. E. The ground rises toward 
back. The castle is at a distance on R., dark 
and somber, with lights here and there, which 
increase as the act progresses. Rocky coun- 
try, full of light a7id shade, against trans- 
parent, pearly sky in background. Trees, 
bushes, flowers, foliage, pathways, grass, etc. 
At rise, birds are heard singing in garden, 
and roysterers are heard singing at a dis- 
tance, gradually coming nearer during fol- 
lowing. 

Time. — Early evening; the celebrated gloamvng 
of Scotland. 

Discovered. — Prince and Elizabeth on stone 
bench L. C, hand in hand; the Prince is 
gazing at her zvistfully, while she shyly looks 
down. 

ROTHSAY 

\^After a slight pause.'\ 
How delightful it is to have thee at my side 
once more. 

42 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Elizabeth 

[With a sigh of happiness.'] 
My being overflows with bliss. The whole 
world seems filled with glorious joy because thou 
and I love. 



ROTHSAY 

[Drawing toward her.] 
None — none are so happy as we. 



Elizabeth 

Ah, my Prince, I fear our great love is too 
rapturous to last. 



RoTHSAY 

Nay, there is naught to fear, sweetest Bess ; 
love like ours can never die. 



Elizabeth 

In sooth, I cannot tell why, but at times my 
heart is oppressed by evil forebodings. There's 
an undercurrent of doubt in all this joy. Per- 
chance I have not deserved so much bliss. 
43 



PRIXCE AXD PROFLIGATE 

ROTHSAY 

Nay, my most pure and sweet saint, you merit 
all the joys of life. Alas! 'tis I who do not even 
deserve to touch this fair hand. 

\_Rcnses her hand to his lips-l 

Oh, thou hast but little reason to love me — 

Elizabeth 
Nay, I will not hear thee slander him I wor- 
ship. Love is above and beyond all earthly rea- 
son. He whom I love cannot be otherwise than 
most fair, most noble, and all that is good. 

Roth SAY 
That thou alone art my adored angel, one sent 
on earth to transform my existence. 

[Gradually draxving tozcard her.^ 
With thee beside me, my life needs must be one 
grand, triumphant march toward glorious achieve- 
ment. Thou hast filled my being with lofty ideals, 
and inspired me with a will to do and dare all! 
Oh, I shall yet deserve thee. 

Elizabeth 
Nay, nay, 'tis I who am unworthy of thee, my 
Prince. 

[^They emhrace.'\ 

[Roysterers are heard singing off R., 
gradually coming nearer.'\ 



PRI^XE AXD PROFLIGATE 

A bonnie lass and a jolly good glass 
And the world is stop't of sorrow. 
So take jour fling, both carl and king, 
And the de'il may care for the morrow. 
[Sir John Ramorny, Laird of Glencove 
(an inebriate lord), Peter, Bonthune, 
Errol, Ritchie aiid Oliphaxt {swash- 
bucklers of the period), enter R. 3. E., 
singing.'\ 
The world has woe and trouble enow 

Then why should we go sorrow.'^ 
So we sup and swig till our heads grow big. 
And the de'il may care for the morrow ! 
l^For other verses and music see last page 
of this act.'\ 

Laird of Glencove 

l^Holds up his hand on perceiving Prince 
with Elizabeth, to silence his compan- 
ions.'] 
Hush ! Perchance we are disturbing our 
m-most roj-al wag, who hath found good-fellow- 
ship in a bonnie lass, e'en without the jolly good 
glass. 

[Prince and Elizabeth have disengaged 
during the foregoing, Elizabeth look- 
ing down in confusion, while Prince 
is slightly annoyed, as the roysterers 
laugh.] 

45 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Prince 

Why, friends, what frolic is this? 

Laird of Glencove 

\^Somewhat intoxicated, bowing very low.~\ 
M-most illustrious Prince — 

Several of the Company 
Hear ! Hear ! 

Laird of Glencove 

[^Continues, with elaborate emphasis-l 
M-most loath are we to break in upon Your 
Royal Highness' m-most pressing affair ! 

[Repressed laughter from Roysterers. 
Peter repeats in loud whisper, " press- 
ing affair."^ 
• — but our merry friends delegated us to bring 
their m-most royal leader to the m-most brilliant 
fete they hold this night in his honor. 

Peter 

Well spoken, me Laird! 

[Others murmur in approval " Aye — 
aye.--] 

46 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Prince 
{^Smiling.'] 
My merry good friends, prithee inform the rest 
of the good company that I crave their pardon, 
but this night I am engaged — at another feast. 
[The Company looks at each other, and 
one of them murmurs knowingly, wink, 
etc.'] 

Sir John 

[^Advances, speaking with repressed con- 
cern.] 
Will not Your Royal Highness at least come 
over and partake of a cup of good old Cypress 
wine with us? Indeed, our companions would be 
disconsolate should their gracious lord altogether 
deprive our banquet of its life and soul. 

Prince 

J^Low, to Sir John.] 
My dear Ramorny, I cannot forego the nectar 
of the gods 

[With glance at Elizabeth,] 
for any earthly beverage. 
[Then aloud.] 
Pray make my excuses to our worthy friends, 
and tell them to consider me present in spirit at 

47 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

their festivities this evening. And also bid them 
drink for me heartily to the health of the peerless 
maiden who detains my body and soul here. 



Laird of Glencove 

Aye, we'll pledge her m-most 
heartily, 

Peter 

We'll drink to both your healths. 
BoNTHUNE and Ritchie 
Aye, we'll drink to the peerless 
maid. 

Oliphant 

I warrant I'll drink a flagon full.. 



A t the same 
time. 



Laird of Glencove 

l^Bowing elaborately. '\ 
And so, then, we must m-most humbly and re- 
gretfully take our leave. 

[The Roisterers salute, laughing, etc. 
Prince and Elizabeth return their 
salutation good-humor edly . All exeunt 
L. 3. E. with the exception of Sir John, 
•who stops hesitatingly as he is about to 
exit R. 3. E, Presently one of the 
roysterers is heard singing during the 
foUoxcing, his clear tenor voice receding 
in the distance.'\ 
48 



PRIXCE AND PROFLIGATE 

ROYSTERER 

Oh, sweet is the heather that blooms for the bee, 
But sweeter is the lassie that blooms but for me. 
Far sweeter than all the merry, merry din 
Of the jolly good fellows who join in the inn. 

Prince 
l^LoiC, to Elizabeth.] 
Come, my best beloved, let us go to a less fre- 
quented spot. 

\_Places an arm around her as they exeunt 
L. 3. £.] 

Sir John 
[^Comes forward angrily."] 
Drink to her.'' May I choke in the wine if I 
do ! Sblood ! That a man should forego the 
friends, whom he has known all his life, for a slip 
of a damsel whom he seems to have known scarce 
a week ! So much bliss for the Prince bodes us 
but little joy. Oh, I must after him, and make 
another attempt to bring him away. 
[Exit R. 3. £.] 

[JNIarjory enters L. 3. E., in the attire 
of a Douglas page, and crosses R., look- 
ing off R. 3. £.] 
[She is followed hy the Lady Douglas, 
who watches her. Marjory makes a 
movement as if to exit R. 3. E., when:] 

49 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Lady Douglas 
[Calls to her.'\ 
Stay, madcap, stay ! 

[Marjory stops short, and tries to cover 
her surprise and confusion; then, as- 
suming masculine voice and air, turns 
toward Lady Douglas.] 

Marjory 
Art addressing thyself to me, good dame? 

Lady Douglas 
Dame me no dames, Marjory. I saw through 
thy disguise the moment I set eyes on thee. For 
shame, wench! How darest thou don male ap- 
parel in a place like this? Dost think thou art 
in our castle, where thou wert wont to play the 
boy and fence with thy father's man-at-arms? 

Marjory 
{Hesitatingly.'] 
What if I should say — I know not whereof 
Your Ladyship speaks? 

Lady Douglas 
Then thy wits must have surely gone astray, 
else thou hadst not donned this shameful attire 
and made so bold attempt to bring disgrace on 
our noble house. 

50 



PRINCE AXD PROFLIGATE 

IVIarjory 
Art sure, good lady, thou art not laboring un- 
der a misapprehension? 

Lady Douglas 

\^Losing all patience.l 
Out upon thee, jade, I know thee full well in 
spite of thy assurance. Come thou not to our 
lodging upon the instant, I shall to thy father 
and acquaint him of thy shameful behavior. 

Marjory 
[^Shrugs her shoulders and turns half 
away.^ 
Oh, very well. 

Lady Douglas 
I warrant it shall not be well with thee. Thy 
father will bring thee to thy senses right sud- 
denly. 

[^Exits angrily L. 3. E.'] 

Marjory 
Ah, mother's meddling will ruin all. How 
could I, in my proper person, discover the true 
state of affairs 'twixt the Prince and this Eliza- 
beth of Dunbar? 

[Ramorny re-enters R. 3. E., angrily and 
disappointed.'\ 

51 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Ramorny 

[^Mutters as he enters.'] 
Why would he not be parted from her? 

[On crossing L., perceives Marjory, stops 
short, regards her for a moment, then, 
as an idea dawns upon him, places his 
hand upon her shoulder.] 
I give you good day, fair youth. 

Marjory 
[Draws away in a girlish manner.] 
Sir, 'tis evening now. 

Sir John 
I do opine 'tis evening now with those who 
wear the badge of the bloody heart. The sun 
has set upon the House of Douglas after the 
Prince rebuffed their daughter. 

Marjory 
How! Rebuffed? 

Sir John 
Why, by espousing the daughter of March. 

Marjory 
I wish him joy of her — yet fail to see aught in 
common 'twixt the daughter of Douglas and her 
of Dunbar. 



PRIXCE AXD PROFLIGATE 

Sir John 

You say true; there is but little in common 
'twixt them, since the Prince hath taken to his 
tender regard the daughter of Dunbar, and hath 
disregarded her of Douglas. 

IMarjory 

I was not aware that any regard ever existed 
'twixt the Prince and Lady Marjory of Douglas 
that needed disregarding. 

Sir John 

And I have heard from — one who should know, 
that the lady holds the Prince in fond esteem. 
'Tis said she came hither all the way from Lanark- 
shire to court his affection ; but the Prince fairly 
shook her off. 

Marjory 

[With suppressed anger. '\ 
Sir Knight, if thou dost not charm thy unruly 
tongue, there be those who might pluck it out. 

Sir John 

Thou art a plucky youngster, to say as much 
to me. Know, sirrah, thou hast the honor of 
addressing the Master of Horse to the Prince 
of Scotland. " 

53 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Marjory 

Who is, I dare say, as big a poltroon as his 
master. 

Sir John 

How, knave ! But I blame thee not, for in good 
sooth the Prince hath grievously injured the 
House of Douglas, and it would not surprise me 
if some doughty follower of the Bloody Heart 
should call him to account for it. 

Marjory 
And so the Duke of Rothsay boasts that the 
Lady Marjory of Douglas bears regard for him? 

Ramorny 

Ask that of the Prince himself, who is walking 
yonder. But, pray, do not be over-impetuous, as 
Rothsay loves not the sight of steel. 

\^Bows, glances angrily off R., and exits 
L. 3. £.] 

Marjory 

So, the master is as white-livered as the man. 
And to be slighted by such as he ! To make a 
mockery, a byword of mc ! Oh, I could tear my 
heart out for ever thinking of him. 

[Almost hursts into tears, hut recalls her- 
self.^ 

54 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

'Tis unmanly to weep, and I must be what I 
appear. 

[Looks off R.] 
Ah, there he is, happy with her, whilst I — 
Oh, that I could kill them both ! 

\_Steps aside as Prince and Elizabeth 
re-enter R. 3. E., absorbed in each 
other; his arm is around her waist. ^ 

Prince 

[To Elizabeth, as they cross L.] 
I swear thou alone art the fountain of all my 
joys. I could have loved none but thee. 

[Marjory clenches her hands, and re- 
presses an exclamation of rage as she 
crosses R., near Elizabeth, so as to 
take a good look at her.^ 

Prince 

What manner of an unmannerly youth have we 
here ? 

Marjory 

[Stops short. With suppressed anger.'\ 
who can teach good r 
— whose livery thou wearest 



One who can teach good manners to the Prince 



Prince 

Thinkest thou, boy, the Prince needs mending 
in his manners.'^ 

55 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Marjory 
None more than he, as I am ready with my 
sword to maintain and prove. 

Prince 
[^Laughs, tJien:'\ 
Wert thou a man, I might take some note of 
tliy speech. 

Marjory 

{^Regarding Prince keenly in fear of dis- 
covery.^ 
Were I a man.^* 

[^Assured that she is not discovered.'\ 
Thou wilt find me man enough to chastise such 
as thou art. I — I wear a sword. Sir Squire. 

Prince 
[Mockingly. '\ 
Art sure 'tis a sword, Sir Malapert.'' 

Marjory 
\^With suppressed anger. ~\ 
I'll make thee feel of its point ere we adjust 
our dispute. 

Prince 

If thy sword be as sharp as thy tongue, I needs 
must exercise great care — But, in good sooth, 
I know of no dispute 'twixt the followers of Doug- 
las and the Prince. 

56 



PRINCE AXD PROFLIGATE 

Marjory 

[7n resenfment.'\ 
Ah, all — all know that the chicken-hearted 
Prince hath most grievously injured the great 
House of Douglas, which I have the honor to 
serve. 

Prince 

And in what manner hath the Prince injured 
that large house? 

Marjory 

[Angrily.] 
Oh, thou art bound to drag it from me, that 
he hath slighted, scorned and insulted Marjory 
of Douglas, and then with insolent effrontery 
boasted of her love for him, as if any lady could 
love a simpering craven like our knave of a prince. 

Prince 

[Beginning to become serious.] 
Thou hadst better use more discretion in speak- 
ing of thy betters, or thou'lt find more fighting 
than thou dost seek. 

Marjory 

[Scornf.ullij.] 
And who, pray, will dare stand 'gainst a 
Douglas ? 

57 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Prince 
Tarry here but a while, until in safety I be- 
stow tliis maiden, and I myself shall be pleased 
to discuss this matter further with thee. 

Maujory 
An excuse at fault for running away. 

Prince 
How, knave? Dost think I fear theef 

Elizabeth 

[To Prince.] 
I pray you heed him not. 

[Then to Marjory.] 
My good youth, prithee, have a care — 

Marjory 
Ah, hast found thy tongue, my pretty puppet? 
Thou wilt find, however, it will afford but little 
protection to thy cowardly lover. 

Prince 
[Becoming serious. '\ 
What insolence ! Knowst thou, sirrah, to whom 
thou speakest? 

Marjory" 

One who would fain screen himself behind the 
petticoats of his mistress. 

58 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Prince 

l^Draxcing Jiis sword.^ 
By Heavens, thou shalt have no cause to say 
that. 

Elizabeth 

[CUnging to Prince.] 
Nay, nay, David ! Forbear ! 

Prince 

[^Gentlt/ disengaging himself .'\ 
Hold off, I pray ; unloose me, dearest. I needs 
must chastise this shrewish champion of the inso- 
lent Douglas. ^ 

[Marjory, who has drawn her sword, flies 
at the Prince with a cry of repressed 
rage. He meets her sword with his. 
Elizabeth screams as Marjory rushes 
upon Prince, then calls out.^ 

Elizabeth 

[Following them.l 
Treason ! Help ! Ho !— Help ! Oh, God have 
mercy ! Ah, take heed — take heed ! 

[After a few passes. Prince wounds Mar- 
jory in the arm. The sword falls from 
her hand and she utters a cry.^ 

59 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Prince 

[^Contemptuously. '\ 
Go, take up thy weapon. 

Marjory 

[In girlish, hysterical rage, and sohs.'\ 
Nay! Complete — complete thy handiwork, 
treacherous — unchivalrous boor — thou — thou — 
Oh! 

[Reels as if to fall.'] 

Prince 

[TFAo has regarded her with surprise dur- 
ing the foregoing outbursts, extends his 
hand to her to prevent her from falling, 
and then mutters apart.] 
By Heavens ! 'Tis a woman ! 

[Murmurs of alarm, etc., have been heard 
from without during foregoing, and now 
Sir John Ramorny, the Laird of 
Glencove, Errol, Ritchie, Peter, 
and BoNTHUNE, with swords in hand and 
without their bonnets, as if risen hastily 
from their cups. McLewis, with a few 
of the Brandane Guard, enter noisily 
from L. Some of them have their 
swords drawn.] 
60 



PRINCE AXD PROFLIGATE 

Laird of Glencove 

[Speaking as he enters.'\ 
What! Our Prince assailed? 

Peter and Some of the Others 

[^Drawing their swords.^ 
Treason ! Treason ! 

Sir John 

\^Ad-vancing upon Marjory.'\ 
Beat him down ! Cut him to pieces ! 

Prince 

Forbear! 'Tis naught! Stand off! Put up 
your weapons. 

l^They obey the Prince.] 



-Same time. 



Laird of Glencove 
Why ! how came this about .'' 

Sir John 

Art hurt, my Prince? 

Prince 

Not I, Sir John. 

[Sir John shows signs of disappoint- 
ment. 1 

61 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Elizabeth 

l^Advancing to Marjory.] 
Let me bind up thy wound. 

Marjory 

Nay, touch me not ! I would sooner die than 
receive aid at thy hands. 

McLewis 

[Coming for'ward.'\ 
Leave me to deal with this wild stripling; his 
troubles will soon be o'er, since he hath incurred 
the penalty of death by drawing his sword 'gainst 
the heir apparent. 

[^To his men.'\ 
Secure him! 

Marjory 
Heavens ! 

[^Raises her hand to her head as if to 
swoon. Prince takes hold of her arm. 
Guards advance to secure her.'] 

Prince 

Nay, stand oJff! 'Twas I began the quarrel. 
This youth knew not my rank. It is my pleasure 
that he depart in peace. 
\^To Marjory.] 

62 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

I, myself, will see thee safely out of this. 

[Then to Elizabeth.] 
Come, come with us, dearest. 

Mar J GUY 
[Faintly, with repressed love, as she al- 
lows herself to be led out by the Prixce.] 
Nay, trouble not ; I care but little for life now. 
[Prince and Marjory and Elizabeth, 
who is somewhat surprised, exeunt R. 
3. £.] 

Laird of Glencove 
Our m-most noble Prince was ever too ready 
to forgive his enemies. 

Peter 

[Grumbling. '[ 
Too soft-hearted by half, bah ! 

[The Men separate R. and L., murmuring, 
etc., and exeunt, except Sir John, who 
looks off R., puzzled, shrugs his shoul- 
ders, then chuckles.^ 

[Albany enters L. 3. E.'] 

Albany 
[Q7tickly, advancing to Sir John.] 
How now, Ramorny, rumor hath it that the 
Prince assailed and wounded a retainer of the 
Douglas. 

63 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Sir John 

The Prince hath admitted as much — in good 
sooth, however, it was a retainer of the Douglas 
who assailed the Prince, at my instigation. 

Albany 
And the result is but another failure. 

Sir John 

Not altogether. Your Grace. I warrant the 
Earl of Douglas will take care that the Prince 
shall pay the piper for his sword dance with one 
of his followers. 

Albany 

Meaning My Lord of Douglas himself as 
piper ? 

Sir John 

Aye, truly. The crossing of swords between the 
Prince and a follower of the Douglas may be made 
into a weapon whereby we might cross his match 
with Dunbar. I opine the Earl will pipe lustily 
to wedding strains for his daughter's marriage to 
the Prince. Rothsay owes redress to the House 
of Douglas, and it must be our care that it should 
be in the form of Rothsay's hand for their shrew- 
ish daughter. 

64. 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Albany 

Thy counsel rings true. Rothsay loves March's 
daughter too well to suit our designs. 

[^Murmurs, footsteps, etc., are heard from 
zclthout L.] 
But look you ! Here comes the Douglas. 

[Douglas enters L. 3. E., in a passion, 
followed hy a few attendants.'\ 

Douglas 
This should be the place where they fought. 

[XooA's round.^ 
Ah, my Lord of Albany ! Know you aught of 
this fray.'' 

Albany 

'Tis simple enough. Our Prince hath most 
grievously wounded one of Your Lordship's re- 
tainers. 

Douglas 
[}Vith suppressed rage.'] 
S'life ! Your Grace speaks most calmly anent 
so grave an injury to our noble house! And 
where — where is this wild stripling, that dares 
thus to shed the blood of Douglas? 

Albany 
Pray be patient, my Lord. Remember you 
speak of the heir apparent. 

65 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Douglas 

God's blood ! Am I to brook the insult and 
injury of this young libertine? When a Prince 
fails to remember what is due to his nobles, the 
nobles may well forget what is owing to their 
Prince. And by St. Bride of Bothwell, I will 
chastise him, were he a thousand times the heir 
apparent ! 

Albany 

Yet calm thee, my Lord; pause a while. 'Tis 
no light affair to chastise the Prince of Scotland. 

Douglas 
I abjure my fealty to this Prince. The descend- 
ant of Douglas may well throw down the gaunt- 
let to a descendant of the Stuart. Zounds ! 'tis 
beyond human endurance to bear so many insults. 

Albany 
I pray Your Lordship will remember that this 
place is filled with the Brandane Guard, who would 
cut to pieces anyone who would dare lift a finger 
'gainst their Prince. 

Douglas 
What! Does Your Grace threaten? Gads, 
wounds ! I was never in better humor to attempt 
a heat with Brandane or any other guard. 

66 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Albany 

Nay, calm you, my Lord. I do not counsel 
abject submission to all these indignities, I but 
advise Your Lordship to direct your wrath into 
the proper channel. The wise make their failures 
stepping-stones to success. 

Douglas 

Oh, I am in no humor to dawdle with riddles. 

Albany 

Then Your Lordship must pardon my blunt 
speech. 'Tis given out the Prince hath wantonly 
refused thy daughter's hand — 

Douglas 

[Deeply chagrined.'\ 
'Tis unnecessary to recount in detail all our 
wrongs. 

Albany 

I crave your patience, my Lord ; 'tis my pur- 
pose to submit means wherewith all these wrongs 
may be righted. 

Douglas 

Oh, it matters not ; we ne'er pressed our alliance 
upon anyone. 

67 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Albany 

Surely not ; and yet an alliance with Our Royal 
House is not to be despised. I opine 'twere little 
to Your Lordship's liking to hold your earldom 
under Scotland's King if Elizabeth of Dunbar, 
the daughter of Douglas's direst enemy, be Scot- 
land's queen. 

Douglas 

I have said but now that the dastardly conduct 
of the Prince hath wiped away any allegiance I 
might owe to the House of Stuart. 

Albany 

Your allegiance cannot be wiped out by mere 
words. Your will would have to be maintained 
'gainst that of all Scotland. This would mean a 
long and bloody war, dread war that should be 
invoked only when all else has failed. There are 
ways less troublesome whereby Your Lordship's 
aims might be attained, if you will but deign 
listen to me — 

Douglas 

[With repressed anger.'] 
Say on, say on, my Lord. I am patient, most 
patient. 

68 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Albany 

Were it not good policy to smoothe over all 
difference 'twixt the Prince and Your Lordship,, 
by Rothsay's hand being tendered in marriage ta 
Marjory of Douglas? 



Douglas 

I am acquainted with the sharpness of my 
sword, but not with the intricacies of policy. 



Albany 

Yet policy is the sharper weapon of the two, 
and if Your Lordship will but leave this affair 
in my hands, I will seek the King forthwith, and 
I warrant the Douglas shall soon triumph over 
the House of March. 



Douglas 

Your Grace may do as you see fit. I will curb 
my wrath meanwhile. Should we not receive full 
redress, then, by my faith, Douglas's sword shall 
right Douglas's wrong. 

[^Exits L. 3. E., followed by his Reta'mers.l 
69 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Ramorny 
[^Advancing to Albany.] 
The Earl dances well to our music, and now if 
we could but bring the King and Prince to our 
tune, the success of our enterprise is assured. 

[King enters R. 3. E., attended by Mc- 
Lewis and a few Brandane Guards. He 
seems weak and agitated.^ 

Albany 
l^With forced sternness to Ramorny, upon 
perceiving King.] 
Stand off, sirrah! There's no excuse for His 
Royal Highness. 

King 

l^Speaking anxiously to Albany as he ad- 
vances.^ 
Ah, brother, hast seen naught of my David? 

Albany 
Nay, sire; I opine he is keeping himself from 
the just wrath of the mighty Douglas. 

King 
[To McLewis, anxiously.^ 
My faithful Brandanes, go, go — seek the Prince 
forthwith. See to it that no harm comes to him. 
[McLewis salutes and exits with Bran- 
danes R. S. £.] 
70 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

King 

[Sitting on the bench L. C] 
Ah, my poor, thoughtless boy ! That his un- 
lucky star should conspire with his foolhardy 
spirit to make a deadly enemy of this powerful 
Earl. . . . We must look to the safety of the 
Prince, at all costs. Would I knew the where- 
abouts of the Douglas ! 

Albany 

The wrathful chief departed from here but a 
short time since, vowing deadly vengeance 'gainst 
the Prince, who hath assuredly injured him most 
grievously. Not content with spurning and in- 
sulting Douglas's daughter, Rothsay needs must 
pick a quarrel with his retainer, and well nigh 
murder him. ' 

King 

Oh, wretched boy ! that naught but brawling 
and disorder should follow in his steps. 

Albany 

This latest disorder is far deeper than Your 
Majesty suspects. The dread Earl, being justly 
enraged with our Royal House, doth threaten to 
renounce his fealty to the crown, and is e'en now 
gathering his followers to levy war. 
71 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

King 
God 'a' mercy ! Is civil war again to shake 
our distracted kingdom? 

Albany 
'Tis even so, sire, unless we allay the tumult of 
Douglas's passion. 

King 
Aye — we must find the means whereby so desira- 
ble an end might be reached. 

Albany 

Sire, this misfortune hath given me grave con- 
cern, and I have but now sounded the Earl upon 
it. It seems his shattered hope of an alliance with 
our Royal House rankles more deeply within him 
than the loss of a score of followers. The physic 
for this hurt doth lie with the offending cause — • 
our Rothsay, who perforce must wed Douglas's 
daughter. 

King 

Thou knowest full well that Elizabeth, the 
daughter of March, is the Prince's choice. 

Albany 

My gracious liege, their betrothal will ne'er 
have the sanction of our state of parliament if 
it be the cause of bringing fire and sword into 
our kingdom. The Douglas is far more powerful 
than the Earl of March, and offers a larger dowry. 
72 



PRIXCE AXD PROFLIGATE 

Certs ! 'twould be of greater vantage to have the 
Prince wed the Lady Marjory. 

King 
But, brother, by ministering unto one wound 
you but open another. I have marked David and 
EKzabeth together. The Prince loves the maiden. 

Albany 

A prince must be above the common passion of 
love when reason of state demands its sacrifice. 
'Twere well he learned betimes that private weal 
must give way to public welfare. Poor Rothsay ! 
He hath " sown the wind and now must reap the 
whirlwind." 

King 

Nay, thou art too harsh, Albany. Princes and 
paupers are alike — human. Other means must we 
seek to pacify the turbulent Earl. 

Albany 
Perchance if we were to imprison the Prince 
for a while — 

King 
Forbear to speak! I dare not trust Rothsay 
from my sight. Could we not, instead, place this 
unruly Earl under restraint? 

Albany 
Impossible, sire. The Douglas is by this time 
in the midst of his followers, and it would only 

73 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

bring on an assault should we attempt to take 
their chief. 

King 

But how can a father destroy his own child's 
happiness ? 

Albany 

Ah, sire, think of the thousands of human be- 
ings whom relentless war would make childless and 
fatherless, ere you consider your own paternal 
feeling. A king is not only the ruler, but is also, 
to a certain extent, the father of all his people. 

King 

Nay, kings are often the slaves of the people 
— slaves whose duty it is to even sacrifice their 
own flesh and blood for them. 

Albany 
Stern necessity as well as duty bids us submit. 
The Douglas retainers and partisans far out- 
number any force we might muster against them 
at present. Your Majesty and I are too old, and 
Rothsay is too young, to wage war 'gainst the 
mightiest man in Scotland. We but court certain 
defeat should we engage in battle at once. 

King 
[^Sighs deeply.'] 
Perforce, then we must e'en submit — and per- 
mit thy counsel to prevail. 

74 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Albany 
[With repressed eagerness.'\ 
And shall I have the Douglas apprised of Your 
Majesty's decision forthwith, so as to avert pos- 
sible conflict? 

King 
There seems no other safe course left for us. 

Albany 
I will myself see to it. 

[^Exits quickly L. 2. £.] 

King 
Oh, my poor bairn ! My poor bairn ! 

l^Murmurs, etc., have been heard during 
the foregoing, gradually coming nearer, 
and now the Prince enters R. 3. E., 
at the head of the Brandane Guard, 
followed by the Laird of Glencove, 
Peter, Oliphant, Ritchie, Errol, 
BoNTHUNE, Ramorny and others, who 
stop when they reach the King and 
salute.^ 

Prince 
[Advancing.li 
Father, it is spread abroad that the Douglas 
revolted 'gainst our Royal House. 
75 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

King 

[Veri^ uneasily.]^ 
My son, the Earl has threatened as much. 

Prince 

Then must we forthwith collect our forces and 
crush rebellion in its inception. 

\^Murmurs of approval from Laird of 

Glencove and others: " Aye, we will 

crush /iim."] 

To arms, my friends ! Let the horns sound the 

call to arms. Gather your retainers- and put on 

the panoply of war. I myself will lead you 'gainst 

the traitorous Douglas. 

Laird of Glencove 
Hail to our brave Prince ! 

Others 

Hail, hail ! Come, let us arm — to arms ! 

[They raise their swords, full of martial 
ardor, salute the King, and exit R. and 
L. Preparations for war, etc., heard 
during following. '\ 

[The King appears to be in great per- 
plexity, evidently at a loss what course 
to pursue.^ 

76 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Albany 

[TT7io has re-entered during the last part 
of the foregoing-l 
My princely nephew, while I must commend thy 
valor, yet I'm forced to condemn thy counsel. 
Think what horrible effusion of blood would result 
from thy advice. The streets of Edinburgh are 
no fit place for a battle ground, and we would only 
bring on a most dreadful massacre. 

King 

Alas ! 'tis even so. We are unprepared for war. 
I am broken down and crippled and utterly unfit 
to cope with the powerful Douglas. The horrible 
consequence of deadly strife must be avoided. 

Prince 

l^With feeling.'] 
And why? Why, my royal father, why should 
a king yield to a subject.'' Does the House of 
Stuart or that of Douglas reign in Scotland? 
Are we a pack of cravens? And e'en if some of 
us be the slaves of fear, is it safe to show it? 

Albany 

It is far more unsafe to embark upon an un- 
just quarrel; e'en kings must hearken to the voice 

77 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

of Justice. Our very throne would be greatly 
imperiled should we put our contentions to a 
bloody issue. 

Prince 

.There is far greater peril in ignoble peace. If 
we basely submit, without striking a single blow, 
what then is to become of our royal prerogative? 
For myself, I would sooner leave the last drop of 
my heart's blood on the field of battle, than allow 
this presumptuous Earl to dictate to his lawful 
King. 

King 

Rothsay, my son, we have discovered both an 
honorable and peaceful way out of this dangerous 
pass. On thy account alone have the fierce clouds 
of war gathered upon our peaceful horizon, and 
thou alone, my son, must dispel them. I — have 
learned that we might allay the wrath of the 
Douglas, and strengthen the sovereignty of our 
house, by plighting thy hand in marriage to his 
daughter — 

Prince 

Sire, both my hand and heart have been plight- 
ed by me to the fair Elizabeth of IMarch. 

King 

Alas ! my son, a marriage 'twixt March's daugh- 
ter and thee is not feasible ; our state of parlia- 

78 



PRINCE AXD PROFLIGATE 

ment would not sanction it. — Nor could I do so 
now. — All favor the daughter of Douglas — 

Prince 

Good heavens ! . . . Would ye extinguish the 
guiding star that has dawned upon my existence 
and blight all my hopes.? She and I are bound 
by mutual love. Oh ! I cannot — I cannot re- 
nounce her. Think, father, what you ask — 

King 

I ask thee, my dear son, to spare the lives of 
my innocent subjects. I ask thee to spare thy 
aged father the awful thought that his son's mis- 
conduct hath plunged our country into desolating 
war. 

Prince 

But, father, our great love cannot be crushed ; 
she hath become part of my being. No, no, it 
may not be. I could never relinquish her. The 
very thought of it breaks my heart. 

King 

Thousands of hearts will break if we are forced 
to engage in cruel strife. I know 'tis a great 
sacrifice we ask, but it is worthy of thee, my noble 
bairn ! 

79 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Albany 

[To the Prince.] 
Withal, 'tis too late to remonstrate now, since 
the King hath solemnly pledged thy hand to 
Douglas's daughter, but a short while since. 

Prince 

Father, say 'tis not so. Thou hast not done 
this — thou hast not wrecked all my future happi- 
ness ! 

King 

[Uneasily, his eyes cast dowii.'\ 
We had no other means of avoiding immediate 
conflict. 

Prince 

Then 'tis true.? 'Tis true — Oh, my God! 

[Raises his clenched hands to his head, 
overcome with grief. The King regards 
him with solicitude, Albany loohs apart 
with great satisfaction. Tumult, noise 
of arms, sound of horn, etc., have 
become louder. The scene begins to 
darken.^ 

Curtain 



80 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 



Other Verses of Song 

With wine and song, the whole night long, 
To fill with noise and laughter, 

We'll take full toll from the merry bowl, 
And the de'il take what comes after. 

Some da}'^, 'tis said, we shall all be dead. 
But out on the dire misgiving ! 

'Tis an answer quite, that at least to-night, 
We are all very much a-living ! 



'^a ^jrtC- -vvvt u^ oH^ilZ. ' ^-^ f'^'^^i ii^XUt 



— ^ W 1 ^ by * >>^ — )r ' — j^ — t / ■ ]^ J ^1 I 

KKrUi u iX.fX iji 4/eVl^'^ -*-» Ca^^ ^-^^ ^jKm^ ^^-"^ ^ 



^x>/\jt awi' 't*'*^ cvux^ -fe< d'^oC viaui g^^iAj^uri'Xii i,i,uK/'-f^t/^'^f^-''''i 




81 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 



ACT III 

Scene. — Courtyard of The Thistle Tavern, sur- 
rounded by the hostelry from hack in irregu- 
lar semicircle. Large door L. 3. E., with 
a couple of steps leading to it. Stained glass 
window R. C, with designs of thistles. Door 
near ground R. C. E. Walls appear roughly 
patched here and there. Stone roof with 
tower L. C, and narrow windows. Tall 
chimneys, etc. Tree L. 3. E., with a sign 
of a thistle therefrom. Archway from R. 
1. E. to R. 2. E. Shrubs, etc. Before rise 
of curtain Chorus heard singing " Bold and 
True,^' which continues at rise, from tavern. 

Time. — Evening. Lights from windows. Moon- 
light effects. 

Discovered. — The Duke of Albany, at L. C, 
Sir John Ramorny approaching him, salut- 
ing. Clapping of hands, clinking of cups, 
hursts of laughter, shouting and singing 
heard at intervals during the following, from 
tavern. 

Albany 

[^Cautiously, after returning salute.^ 
And how sits the wind yonder.^ 
82 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Sir John 

All is blowing the way Your Grace most devot- 
edly can wish. Rothsay is nigh seas-over with 
wine, carousing among our friends and utterly 
oblivious of his commission which Your Grace 
caused His Majesty to sign, anent taking posses- 
sion of St. Andrew. 

Albany 

'Tis well. The plans that we have laid for years 
are ripe, and must bear fruit this very day. His 
feeble Majesty suspects nothing; he is coming 
hither attended only by our ally of Douglas ; since 
I've expounded that 'twere unfit for others to wit- 
ness the Prince among his lewd companions. See 
to it that Rothsay is kept to his cups meantime. 

Sir John 

The task will not be arduous, since the Prince is 
now as drunk as any doughty lord, ... I knew 
not, withal, why Your Grace deemed it of moment 
to have the wife of Rothsay apprised of his 
whereabouts .'' 

Albany 

So that the daughter of Douglas might behold 
him in his present state, and not make efforts in 
his behalf after we succeed in obtaining an order 
to attach the Prince. 

83 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Sir John 

Your Grace is aware that the King is o'erfond 
of Rothsay, and may refuse to grant this order 
despite all. 

Albany 

In that event, there is naught left but open 
force. The King goes from here to my castle, 
where he will be at our mercy, and if he do not 
place Rothsay under my care this very day, we 
must put an end to his existence and seize the 
crown. Would that we could with as much ease 
dispatch the Prince. The young devil lacks not 
many trusty blades that are but too ready to 
flash forth at his mere nod. 

Sir John 
Nary a one of his followers remains proof 
'gainst the goodly wine with which they have been 
so liberally plied at Your Highness's expense. 

Albany 

Yet 'tis better to be over-cautious than not 
enough. 

Sir John 
Advice is easier given than taken. I warrant 
Your Grace gave no thought of being cautious 
when you writ the scroll confiding your plans to 
the Earl of March. 

84 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Albany 
\^Uneasily.'\ 
There you have touched the mainspring that 
drives me to my present course. If I do not gain 
supreme rank at once, I must stand trial for trea- 
son. My very head is at stake. We are forced 
to risk all now. Art sure at least thy men may 
be relied upon? 

Sir John 

Most certain, an' it please Your Highness. 
They'd follow me to the very gates of hell in Your 
Grace's services, if they but smell wine and gold 
in the van. 

Albany 

Neither thou nor they shall have cause to regret 
their lo3'alty to me. Here, distribute this purse 
among the men. 

[Handing purse.^ 
If we succeed this day, thy reward shall be most 
royal. 

Sir John 

We will see to it that Rothsay does not stand 
long 'twixt Your Highness and the crown. 

Albany 

Hush ! I hear some one approaching. Return 
thou to the princely fool, and when the time comes 
render all possible aid to McLewis, who has our 
interest at heart. 

85 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Sir John 

[Bowing.^ 
Always at Your Grace's command. 

[Exit R. U' ^O 

\j^o'ise increases as he opens door and is 
greeted by his companions. '\ 

[Some of them are singing the chorus of 
" Bluebells of Scotland."^ 

[Albany shakes his head maliciously to- 
ward the inn, watching the Prince.] 

[King and Douglas enter R. ^. E. Al- 
bany turns and advances toward the 
King, bowing very low.^ 

King 

[After acknowledging his salute.'\ 
Is this the rendezvous, Albany? 

Albany 

Aye, my most gi'aclous liege, 'tis here Scot- 
land's Prince brews Scotland's ruin. Here it 
is he wastes his present usefulness and future 
welfare for gamesters, doxies, cut-throats, and 
the like, not giving a single thought to Your 
Majesty's express command regarding St. An- 
drew. 

86 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Douglas 

A rare husband have we chosen for my daugh- 
ter. Far better she had ne'er been born than 
become the wife of this Prince of profligates. 
[Ramorny ovens rc'indow R. C] 



Ramorny 

We need air, ray masters. 

[Then retreats. Upon window being 
opened the Prince is seen sitting near 
table, drinking, etc., with a Glee Woman 
on his side, who sings the air of " Bhie- 
bells of Scotland." The Laird of Glen- 
cove, Peter, Bonthune, Errol, Oli- 
PHANT and others are near by. The 
Prince and his companions join in the 
chorus, which ends in applause, laugh- 
ter, etc., to the dismay of King, Doug- 
las, and apparently greater dismay of 
Albany.] 

Prince 

Well done, Madge! Here's a kiss for thy song. 
[^Laughter, etc., as Prince is seen kissing 
Madge. Clinking of cups, laughing, 
talking, etc.'\ 

87 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Peter 
\_Brings out the dice.l 
\_To Prince.] 
My sweet Prince, what say you to a game of 
dice ? 

Prince 
I am ever for it, my lad, an' you but make the 
stakes high — 

\^Brings out a handful of gold coins {he 
plays recklessly). Peter plays with 
the deep interest of a professional gam- 
bler. As Prince and Peter throw dice 
during the following, noise subsides 
somewhat. Some of the company are 
taking an interest in the game.'\ 

King 

Oh, wretched son ! thou wilt yet break thy aged 
father's heart. Was it for this thy saintly mother 
lavished love — 

Albany 
[With a sigh.l 
Ah, my dearest brother, lamentation avails for 
naught. 'Tis resolute action that is required. 

King 
Have I not employed both calm entreaty and 
stern command, but all to no avail? 

88 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Albany 

To succeed, Your Majesty needs must test the 
right remedy ; the readiest way to cure an ail- 
ment is to divorce it from its cause. The lewd 
companions of Rothsay are the foul cankers from 
which he suffers ; the Prince should therefore be 
removed from them. 

King 

I cannot, I cannot banish my own son. 

Albany 

Who, then, speaks of banishment, sire.'' I but 
advise some calm retreat, where, far removed from 
carousing, his shattered frame might court lusty 
health. 

King 

Oh, I cannot bear to part from Rothsay ! My 
heart-strings are firmly bound to him, despite all. 

Albany 

Real love, my liege, stoppeth not at administer- 
ing physic. Real love would save our dear Roth- 
say from himself. 

Douglas 

I, too, believe Your Majesty's interference most 
essential to the welfare of the Prince and my 
daughter, who hath but yesterday importuned me 

89 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

for leave to return to our household. It concerns 
the honor of both houses that Your Majesty 
hearken to the wise counsel of my Lord of Al- 
bany. 

Prince 

Faith, there is but little diversion in playing a 
losing game. Here's for a last throw. 

[^Business of throwing dice, then several 
voices call out " Lost, lost again."^ 
A murrain seize these dice ! I can't win a single 
throw with them. Methink I'll play no more. 
^Without ill-humor, rising.'] 

Peter 
[Also rising.] 
That is unfair, Prince. 

Laird of Glencove 
\_Drunk and angry off C] 
^ Who dares say our m-most fair Prince is un- 
fair ? 

Several, Voices 

Out upon him ! Down with him ! Draw ! Kill ! 
Strike! Kill!!! 

[Drawing of swords, hubbub, etc. The 
King starts toward tavern.] 

Albany 
[Detaining him.] 
Nay, nay, sire, not a step that way. 
90 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Prince 

[Heard above din.'\ 
Back ! Back ! Forbear, I say ! 

[Drarcing his sword in defence of Peter.] 
Fools ! would ye cut each other's throats ? Put 
up your weapons — let him be. Come, come, my 
hearties, let us rather discuss another runlet of 
wine. There's more sport in being waylaid by 
good liquor. Here, mine host, flagons of your 
best for all this good company. 

[General applause. Ramorny calls out, 
" Noble Prince "; Bonthune, " Gener- 
ous Prince." Wine is served quickly by 
Host and Assistants. Clinking of cups, 
drinking, etc., some extending cup to 
Prince in greeting before they drink. 
Laughter, etc.'\ 

Albany 

[Low to King.] 
Oh, will not Your Majesty deign to listen to 
my advice ere it is too late? 

King 

Yea, we will think upon it. Would I could find 
some other course. 

[Sighs dee ply. '\ 

91 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Peince 

[^DrinJcs his cup with one draught and sets 
it down with a reckless laugh. ^ 
And now who is for dancing in the open? 

Several Voices 
All! All! We'll dance — we'll dance till morn. 

Albany 

[To King.] 

Let us away, my liege, the rabble will soon be 
upon us — when I would not be answerable for 
Your Majesty's life. 

King 

[In deep dejection as he crosses i?.] 
Oh, my poor, misguided boy ! 

[They exeunt R. 2. E.] 

[Door R. 4-' E. is flung open; a merry 
crowd of soldiers, ruffians, pages, cour- 
tiers, highlanders and minstrels, accom- 
panied by Glee Women, etc., enter nois- 
ily from R. 4- E., laughing, etc., with 
the Pkince, Sir John, and the Laird 
OF Glencove at their head. The Laird 
OF Glencove is very drunk.'] 

92 



PRIXCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Prince 

{^Speaking as he enters.^ 
Here, my worthy landlord, pass the cup once 
more, ere we join in the dance. 

\^The Landlord and his Assistants fit up 

cups, etc.'\ 
\^As Prince's cup is filled up.^ 
To the brim, to the brim, mine host. Now, 
drink, lads, drink heartily ; 'tis sparkling wine that 
annuls all care. 

[^Murmurs of approval, talking, etc., as 
the cups are being filled. Some of the 
men snatch kisses from their female 
companions, others make love, etc.^ 



Sir John 

My masters, let us pledge the Duke of Rothsay, 
the Prince of good fellows, who reigns within our 
hearts. 

All 

\_With exception of Prince.] 
l^Noisilij extending their cups to Prince, 
and call out.'\ 
To the Prince of Good Fellows! 
[Thcij drink.] 

93 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Prince 
[RecklesslTj-l 
And I will drink to my jolly companions, who 
fight like gods and live like beasts. 

[Drink's, then flings cup high from him.^ 

The Company 
To our jolly selves! 

[Drink, and try to imitate Prince in fling- 
ing away cup; spill wine over them- 
selves, etc.~\ 

Laird of Glencove 
Er — m-most gracious Prince, look ye there! 
M-most wondrous ! That chimney reels. 

Prince 
[Laughing. ~\ 
Nay, Sir Bacchus, good cheer hath made thy 
sight most queer. 

[General laughter. '\ 
And now, my hearties, to the dance. Secure 
your places. 

All 

To the dance, to the dance ! Secure places for 
the dance, etc. 

[The Company arrange themselves for 
dance; those that have no partners look 
on from hack.'\ 
94 



PRINCE AXD PROFLIGATE 

Prince 

Come, strike up, minstrels! Let folly reign 
supreme. 

\^A couple of minstrels strike up " The 
Blue Bonnet Over the Border."'\ 
Now, foot it merrily, merrily, my lads. 

l^All start to dance with spirit amidst 
laughter, screams, shouts, etc.^ 

\^As the dance is at its height, Marjory 
enters R. 2. E., attended by a Retainer 
of the Douglas. She stops short on per- 
ceiving Prince, clenches her hands, and 
stares at him intently.^ 

[Sir John and others who have perceived 
her, stop short.^ 

[The Prince, whose back was turned 
toward jNIarjory when she came in, con- 
tinues dancing. Upon turning around, 
comes face to face with her and stops, 
as if petrified. Marjory is hardly able 
to control her rage.~\ 

Prince 

[After slight pause, with an effort.'\ 
Friends, the dance is o'er ; prithee leave me a 
while. 

{The couples break up, grumbling low, 
etc.l 

95 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Laird of Glencove 

[Low, to Sir John.] 
By Bacchus, 'tis a shame to mar our m-most 
innocent sport in this way. 

Sir John 

[In whisper.'] 
I would not be in Rothsay's sandals for an 
earldom. 

[The others nudge each other, some are 
awe-struck, one of the girls suppresses 
a giggle, etc., as they exeunt R. 3. £.] 

Prince 

[As soon as they are left alone, stammers 
with forced lightness of manner.] 
Thy presence here is a most — agreeable sur- 
prise. 

Marjory 

Wretch, miserable fool ! How canst thou feast 
and make merry while a plot's on foot to wrest 
from thee thy birthright, aye, thy very life? 

Prince 

My " gentle " wife, thou hast assuredly been 
misinformed. I know of no plot against my her- 
itage or life. 

96 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Marjory 

To be sure thou knowst of naught that might 
be of service to thee. 'Tis through thy criminal 
ignorance, through thy heinous folly, that thou 
art giving most vantage to Albany. Oh, my un- 
lucky fate, to be mated with a weak clown, a crea- 
ture who is even bereft of the sense of self-pres- 
ervation ! 

Prince 

My dear Marjory, pray recall the time and 
place where we are. 

Marjory 

Talk not to me of place or time. My sorrow 
and disgrace is known broadcast. Pitiful craven, 
to allow thy direst enemy to take thy royal place 
while thou art dawdling 'midst the kingdom's very 
scum. 

Prince 

jNIarjory, I beg thee again to remember that 
it fits not for the wife of the Prince of Scotland 
to brawl in public. 

Marjory 

What boots it that thou art born a prince, if 
all thy aims in life are as base as those of the 
meanest — 

97 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Prince 

l^Breaks in, speaking low.^ 
Hark you, dame, I tell thee thy rancorous 
tongue offends our dignity. 

Marjory 

And darest thou speak of dignity — thou who 
hast fallen so low, who doth joyfully waddle in the 
gutter amidst lascivious paramours — whose dis- 
graceful orgies are a byword — 

Prince 

[^Breaks in with repressed emotion.'\ 
Have done, have done, I say ! The entire world 
needs not know thy wretched temper. Thy un- 
reasonable nagging at me, has driven me to give 
thee reason to complain. 'Tis altercations such 
as these that have made a hell of home for me, 
from whence I fled as from a pestilence. 

Marjory 

[7n rage.^ 
Nay, to thy own dissolute life, and naught else, 
is due all this wretchedness. Since our unfortu- 
nate nuptial day thou hast brought naught but 
sorrow and shame upon one whom thou hast prom- 
ised to love and cherish. Oh, when I think of all 

98 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

those woeful days, I could kill thee! Thou licen- 
tious drunkard! Thou — 

\_Raises her hand as if to strike him.^ 



Prince 

[Grasping her hand.'\ 
Hold! 

[Sternly brings her hand down in spite of 
her.'\ 

Marjory 

[Screams out in pain.^ 
Ah — coward ! Darest thou lift thy hand 'gainst 
thy wife? 

Prince 

Take heed you drive me not too far ! Hence 
— home — home, I say ! 

Marjory 

[In rage and defiance. '\ 
Never ! I shall never enter thy household again ! 
Oh, thou shalt no longer lord it over me! This 
very day do I return to the house of my father. 
He shall hear of this. 

[Exits in passion R. 3. E., followed by 

DouLAs's Retainer.'] 
[Prince stares after her for a moment, 

then turns away with a deep groan.] 
[Sir John reenters R. 3. E., with a cup 
of wine.] 

99 
LOFC. 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Sir John 

[Advances to the Prince, proffering cup 
to him.^ 
Beseech you, my good Prince, let all unpleas- 
antness be drowned in the flowing bowl. 

[Prince shakes his head in the negative 
and motions cup aside, sighing deep- 
ly, then looks away from Ramorny, 
thoughtfully. Ramorny, with solici- 
tude, again proffers cup. Prince takes 
it distractedly, to the great satisfaction 
of Ramorny, and raises it instinctively 
to his mouth, but recalls himself as it 
touches his lips and dashes it from him.'\ 

Prince 
Nay, by St. Andrew, I'll drink no more ! 

Sir John 

That was ill done, my Prince. To spoil good 
liquor is but folly. Do, pray, dispatch thy ill 
humor from whence it came. Our revels must not 
be marred on account of thy termagant of a wife. 

Prince 

Hold thy peace, fool, and teach thy tongue a 
better language when thou art speaking of my 
wife — thy lady. 

100 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Sir Johx 

I cry thee mercy, my noble Prince; I knew not 
thou were so over-scrupulous about thy " gentle '* 
spouse. 

[Elizabeth enters R. 2. E., masked, at- 
tended hy a servant {man), who stops 
at entrance.'l 

Elizabeth 

[Advances, speaking low and hesitatingly. 1 
I would fain hold discourse with the Prince. 

Prince 

[^Starts upon hearing her voice, then turns 
toward Sir John.] 
Pray leave us, Ramorny. 

[Sir John hows and exits R. 4- E.^ 

Prince 

[Advancing toward her.'\ 
Elizabeth! Thou here? 

Elizabeth 

[Removing her mask.'\ 
Aye, the unfortunate Elizabeth of Dunbar. 
101 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Prixce 
Ah, I never thought I would again behold thy 
dear face, nor that I would have the chance to 
beg forgiveness of thee. 

Elizabeth 

Nay, Prince, I've learned since, that he who 
now seeks thy ruin cast a blight upon our happi- 
ness then. But I would not recall the past at this 
time, when thy future is in imminent peril. My 
father hath been importuned by Albany to join 
against thee, but he would none of it, though they 
argued the great wrong done to us. There are 
foul designs on foot against Your Royal High- 
ness. They seek to usurp thy princely birthright. 
Thy very life is at stake. Oh, you must flee from 
here! 

Prince 

What! Shall the Prince of Scotland flee from 
Scotland's kingdom? Yield my place to Albany.'^ 
No ; by mine honor, I will not budge a foot — not 
for a thousand plots. 

Elizabeth 

Alas I Thou knowest not how mighty the Duke 

hath become and how weak thou art. Thy wild 

life hath turned all honest men 'gainst thee, while 

thine own companions are not to be relied upon. 

102 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

I have learnt that they are ready to betray thee 
for a few paltry gold pieces. Ah, my Prince! 
I am so deeply disappointed in thee. To think 
that the idol of my affections hath turned out 
such miserable clay ! 

Prince 

Only this was wanting to complete my misery. 
And yet, do I not deserve thy reproaches? Yea, 
I have been weak, cowardly. I should not have 
permitted them to tear from me the one being 
Avhom I loved more than life, who might have made 
anything worthy of me! Ah, Elizabeth, if thou 
couldst behold my lacerated heart ! 

Elizabeth 

Desist — desist from opening those old wounds. 
We must learn to forget bygone grief. 

Prince 

Forget? Forget our great love? That soli- 
tary ray of pure sunshine in my cloudy existence? 
Forget the bitter agony of our parting? Nay, 
there are things one cannot forget. 

Elizabeth 

How comes it then, my Prince, if the memory 
of that noble love be so strong in thee, that thou 
couldst be led into such ignoble ways? 
103 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Prince 

Elizabeth, after they tore thee from my heart, 
all my hopes were blighted, my cup of. misery 
overreached the brim. I sought some outlet for 
my great suffering. First, I strove to stifle my 
agony in work. 'Twas then my fiendish uncle 
choked all my good intents. He " relieved " me 
of all my offices, shut every door of honor 'gainst 
me, and left me like a sea-tossed mariner drifting 
to any rock or shoal, and thus I came upon this 
roystering life — 

Elizabeth 

But is folly, brawling and debauchery a life for 
a prince? Ah, dost thou surmise the pain, the 
suffering thy conduct hath caused to — thy 
friends ? 

Prince 

Oh, conscience tells me every moment that my 
mode of existence is degrading — ruthless remorse 
is ever gnawing at my heart, yet overwhelming 
circumstances dominate my reason and still drive 
me on the way of evil. Having been denied real 
happiness, the baser part of my nature forces me 
to grasp at the empty shadow of it. Ah, there 
is naught — naught else left for me. 
104 



PRIXCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Elizabeth 
Nay, nay, Prince, ask me not to entertain so 
base an opinion of Your Highness. I cannot be- 
lieve that my ideal of strength could thus become 
the weak slave of circumstances. He whom I 
loved was a man, strong in will, not to be driven 
and shipwrecked by the first adverse wind of for- 
tune. Bethink thee, Prince, thy own misdeeds are 
destroying thee. Thou hast complained but now 
that the doors of honor are shut 'gainst thee, and 
yet here confronts thee a battle in which honor 
and duty bid thee engage forthwith. 'Tis the 
battle 'twixt right and wrong which Is striving 
for mastery within thy breast. Deign but to en- 
list with a will in the cause of right, and thou 
must, thou shalt subdue the foul monster wrong 
who would destroy thee. 

Prince 
I fear it is now too late to strive. I fear I have 
not the will to turn from the easy, downward 
course. Oh, Pm utterly unworthy of thy inter- 
est. There seems naught left for me but this 
shameful mode of existence — this vain attempt to 
drown my overwhelming cares. 

Elizabeth 
Drown cares ? Drown reason ! Drown man- 
hood! Drown every hope of those who love thee 
105 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

and would fain have thee worthy of thy high es- 
tate. 

Prince 

\_Advancing nearer toward her.'\ 
Those who love me? Ah, Elizabeth, if there 
were one who loved me, one whom I loved, in the 
place of her whom evil fortune sent to share my 
name — 

Elizabeth 

[Drawing away from him.^ 
Stay ! She is thy wife, thy suffering wife, who 
has tasted the deep humiliation of thy most shame- 
ful disregard. 

Prince 

Ah, bitter are thy words, Elizabeth. 

Elizabeth 

Bitter, yet wholesome, is the draught which 
cures. Oh, canst thou not perceive that thou art 
doomed unless thou mendest thy ways on the in- 
stant? The quicksands of treachery are ready to 
open at thy feet at any moment — here, read this 
scroll writ to my father in the Duke's own hand. 

Prince 

[Takes scroll and begins to peruse it."] 
Good Heavens ! " Depose the King — imprison 
the Prince." Ramorny would deliver me into their 

106 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

hands ? Oh, what base treachery ! This — this 
must awaken me. Aye, I will subdue my turbu- 
lent nature this very day ; nay, this very hour 
will I put my feet upon the rock and crush their 
foul plot. 

Elizabeth 

Ah, there spoke the heir of Bruce, the Prince 
whom I once loved. Do thou but hold to thy good 
resolutions and I will reckon the pain suffered 
in thy behalf as the greatest of blessings. 



Prince 

Yet must I place myself still further in thy 
debt. Thou above all others hast the power to 
reconcile thy worthy father to our cause ; bid him 
recollect that Albany alone was guilty of all the 
wrong done to your house. Urge him in the name 
of all that is noble to gather his retainers and 
come to the aid of his country and king in this 
hour of need. 

Elizabeth 

I will — I go seek my father forthwith, for Scot- 
land — for Scotland be all our endeavor — and so, 
farewell, my Prince. 

107 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Prince 

l^SpeaMng "with feeling, as he crosses with 
her R.] 
Farewell, my good angel, I shall yet be worthy 
of thy — friendship. The pleasure-seeking Prince 
is no more; henceforth my pleasure shall consist 
of duty, my course be as high as lofty resolve 
can make. 

[^Exeunt Prince and Elizabeth R. 2. E., 

followed by attending Servant. '\ 
[McLewis enters at L. 3. E., at the head 
of the Brandane Guards. He gives the 
word of command to his men to " halt," 
•which they obey; then:'\ 

McLewis 

[To NiGL, one of the soldiers who has 

stepped forward from ranks.l 

Hasten to inform Sir John of my presence here, 

and then take thy post in the tower where thou 

couldst behold all that transpires, so thou mayest 

give the signal at the earliest moment. 

[NiGL salutes and exits R. ^. E. {He has 
an unlighted torch in hand.) McLewis 
looks around cautiously, then advances 
toward window R. C. and looks in; Sir 
John enters quickly R. 4- E.'\ 
108 



PRIXCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Ah, Sir John ! I'm to report to you that the 
King hath signed the warrant, banishing the 
Prince from court. 

Sir John 

Most welcome news! How came it about? 

McLewis 
Mj Lord of Albany encountered Rothsay's 
spouse as she returned from hither and urged her 
to go before the King and complain 'gainst the 
Prince, who, it seems, raised his hand to her in 
public. And thus was His Royal Highness placed 
under restraint of Albany. I have stationed a 
man to signal to the Duke, should we fail to ap- 
prehend the Prince. If we succeed, then must we 
attend the Prince to Faulkland Castle forthwith. 

Sir John 
Once he is safely in the castle, he will return 
no more. 

[Goes up R. C. and calls ojf.^ 
Here, my men, quick — this way ! 

[Sir John's followers enter eagerly R. C. 
E. and crowd around him-l 

Sir John 
The time for action hath arrived. The Prince 
must be taken into custody this very hour. Look 
to your steel, my lads ; there may be warm work 

109 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

before us. The Duke of Albany bade me promise 
a hundred marks to every man who this day per- 
forms his duty. 

Peter 

Huzzah for the noble Duke! 

[The others join in the cheer. ^ 
[Laird of Glencove enters unsteadily R. 
Jf.. E., followed hy rest of company. '[ 

Laird of Glencove 

My unworthy Sir John, what in the devil's 
name is — the — deviltry thou art brewing now.'' 

Sir John 

[After thinking for a moment.^ 
Comrades, the King hath ordered the banish- 
ment of the Prince from court. He is to be con- 
veyed under guard to Faulkland Castle. 

Laird of Glencove 

What! Banish our Prince? Wrest from us 
the m-most potent spirit of our revelry? Just 
let 'em try ! Ha, ha, ha ! 

Sir John 

Indeed, 'tis no laughing matter, my lord ; an 
halter awaits all those who resist the King's or- 
ders. 'Tis best to be cautious, friends. The King 

110 



PRIXCE AND PROFLIGATE 

means no harm to Rothsaj. Who arc we, to med- 
dle with or gainsay His Majesty's behests? Per- 
force, 'twere best for us to let the law take its 
course, as law-abiding subjects. 

Laird of Glencove 
[Defiantlij.l 
Who is a law-abiding subject? I am at m-most 
a friend of Rothsay, no more — no less. What, 
my Hearts of Gold, shall we stand by and see them 
take from us the Prince of Good Fellows? He 
who ne'er flinched, and who invariably stood by 
us? 

Several Men and All Women 

No ! Never ! Never ! 

Host 
Indeed we sha'n't give up our noble Prince, 
whose bread we have eaten and whose wine we 
have drunk; he who never reckoned the costs and 
always footed a reckoning without a murmur. 
Why, he hath done good service to every man of 
us, God bless him ! 

[^Murmurs of approval, cries of " Xo, we 
sha'n't give him up! " " Noble Prince! " 
" Generous Prince! " etc., from all ex- 
cept Ramorny and his followers, who 
adjust their swords with determination, 
etc-l 
[Prince enters inquiring R. 2. E.^ 
Ill 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Prince 
[Ow perceiving McLewis and Guard.^ 
Ah, McLewIs, I shall have orders for the arrest 
of divers traitors presently. 

McLewis 
Your pardon, Prince, but Fve ere now been 
ordered to convey Your Highness to Faulkland 
Castle. 

Prince 

Ordered by whom? 

McLewis 

\^Showing parchment with seal, etc.^ 
The King, who has entrusted Your Highness 
to the care of your loving uncle. 

Prince 
My " loving " uncle ! And what if I choose not 
to be placed under his wardship .f* 

McLewis 
Then would it grieve us much to be compelled 
to employ force against Your Royal Highness. 

Prince 
So thou, too, art privy to this plot, McLewis? 
I will seek the King on the instant. 
[/« about to cross 72.] 
112 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

McLewis 

Stay ! My men will not permit you to take a 
step. 'Tis His Majesty's behest that thou be con- 
veyed without delay to Faulkland Castle, there- 
fore must I request Your Highness to accompany 
my men forthwith. 

Prince 

{Drawing his szcord.^ 
Nay, thou art too fast, McLewis. 

[Raising his sxcord.^ 
To me, all who are loyal ! 

Laird of Glencove 

Come, let us form around our Prince and repel 
this foul plot. 

{^Several men advance, drawing their 
swords, murmuring, " Aye, for the 
Prince. We will stand by thee against 
hell."] 

McLewis 

I charge ye all, on your allegiance to the 
crown, not to dare interfere with the execution 
of my duty. 

Laird of Glencove 

We'll teach thee thy duty, knave! 

l^Then to Sir John.] 
Why dost not stand with thy Prince, Sir John.'' 

113 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Sir John 

The orders of the King are supreme. 

[Sir John's followers murmur in assent as 
they draw their swords and place them- 
selves beside the Brandane Guard. Sev- 
eral women murmur, " Ah, for shame! 
'Tis a shame! "] 

McLewis 

\_To his men, raising his sword.^ 
Charge ! Charge upon them ! 

[^The Guard hesitate, look at each other 
uneasily, and do not advance.^ 

An Old Brandane Guard 

Hoot, Captain ! We cou'd na lower our hal- 
berds 'gainst our bonnie Prince. 

McLewis 

[7w rage.'] 
Ah ! cowards ! traitors ! 

[The Guard murmur angrily.] 

Prince 

Methinks, Sir John, thou art playing on the 
losing side this day. — Come, my men, to the King ! 
114 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

His Followers 

To the King! The King! 

[^Brandish their swords, etc. They are 
about to cross R. when Ramorny ad- 
vances.^ 

Sir John 

Tarry a moment, Prince. Knowst thou where 
His Majesty sojourns now? 

[Takes the warrant from McLewis, show- 
ing it to Prince, and reads from it.^ 
" Given at the Castle of Albany " — 

\^Aloud, with suppressed vehemence.^ 
The King is there, beset by desperate men ; thy 
shrewd uncle provided 'gainst the miscarriage of 
his plans. They are e'en now watching for a sig- 
nal from us. At the first tidings of our failure, 
thy father shall be mercilessly slain. 

Prince 
Oh, monstrous villainy ! 

Sir John 

Perforce Albany must do It, to save his own 
head; and unless thou leavest this place under our 
escort forthwith, Scotland's King must welter in 
his blood this very hour. 
115 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Prince 
Knowest thou not, thou traitorous fool, that if, 
Heaven forfend! my royal father should be put 
to death, then I would become King, and be free 
to deal as they deserve with the murderers of my 
beloved sire? 

Laird of Glencqve 

Aye, we will crown thee forthwith. Hail to our 
future King! 

Prince's Followers 
Hail ! Hail to our future King ! 
\^Brandish their swords, etc.^ 
[The Prince draxvs himself up for a mo- 
ment, as if inspired with lofty thoughts 
of becoming king, hut his features 
change as if recalling the plight of his 
father, and he shakes his head in the 
negative in an effort to drive those 
thoughts from him.^ 

Sir John 
[TF^o has been watching the Prince 
keenly.^ 
Will the pleasure of wreaking vengeance on us 
repay for thy aged father's life? 

[Indicates tower L. C, where a light ap- 
pears during the following at lower 
windows. '\ 

116 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Behold ! there is our man e'en now ascending 
to give the signal to Albany. The moment yon- 
der tower is lit up, the King's life shall be extin- 
guished. 

Prince 

[TF^o has undergone a great struggle of 
feeling during the foregoing.'\ 
No, no, no ! I could not — I would not mount 
the throne over the bleeding corpse of my sire. 
\Throws down his sword.^ 
There — I — yield. Lead on to prison or death. 
[Advances toward Sir John's followers, to 
the dismay of the Laird of Glencove 
and other followers of Prince, and con- 
sternation of several women, and the 
satisfaction of McLewis, Sir John, and 
his followers.'] 

Curtain 



117 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 



ACT IV 

Scene. — A dungeon in Faulkland Castle. Floor 
paved with flagstone. Heavy iron door C. 
hack, leading to stairway. A small oblong 
window R. 3. E., grated with cross bars; the 
great thickness of the wall is indicated by 
the bay of zmndow. Two partly broken stools 
near heavy table L. C. Pallet of straw R. C. 
At R. Jj.. E., an instrument of torture. 

Time. — Late in the afternoon. The sunshine 
which gleams in through window furnishes 
the light for the room. The rays of the sun 
are indicated across the floor, and move slowly 
with the close of day. 

Discovered. — Rothsay at window, his face 
against the grating. A great change -has 
come over him; he looks haggard, pale, 
and sickly, hair disheveled, clothes he wore 
in prior act somewhat torn. 

Prince 
[After slight pause, in despair.^ 
No help ! No sign of help ! Cut off from all 
this beautiful world. 

[Turns away and goes toward table during 
the f allowing. '\ 

118 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

So this is to be my tomb ! — immured alive — 
starving to death. Ah! would that death might 
soon obliterate my suffering. And must I then 
perish? And to die after I have learnt how to 
live ! Oh, that reason should come too late ! Yea, 
my sins have overtaken me. No — no, I have 
not deserved so much misery — I have not deserved 
it. 

[^Sink's near table, burying his face in his 
hands. Presently the noise of unbar- 
ring of bolts, clinking of chains, foot- 
steps, etc., heard from back. Prince 
starts, and listens intently.^ 
Hark! Footsteps? They approach nearer — 
this way ! Is it to end my sorrow, or this miser- 
able existence? 

[Door opens C. D. F., disclosing stairway, 
upon which Sir John Ramorny appears 
with torch in hand, followed by Bon- 
THUNE, Peter, and Marjory in male 
attire. She carries a basket of wine, 
victuals, and dishes, which she places on 
table during following.^ 



Sir John 

Incoming down the stairs.'\ 
Give you good den, Rothsay. 

119 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Prince 

\_Starts forward, clenching his hands in 
rage.~\ 
What? Thou— thou here? 

Ramorny 

Gently, my Prince, thou art over-zealous to 
embrace an old friend. 

[Peter and Bonthune laugh.'\ 

Prince 

Fiend ! Hast come hither to complete thy 
handiwork? 

Sir John 

Nay, you wrong me, my dear Prince. I came 
but to usher into thy service this youth, who'll 
attend upon thee. I also brought hither a savory 
haunch of deer, as well as some rare Gascon wine, 
so we may pass this night in revelry as of yore. 

Prince 

Is this, then, to be my last supper? Comes my 
death too slowly to suit thy fiendish purposes, 
and thou art resolved to season my food with 
poison? 

120 



PRIXCE AXD PROFLIGATE 

Ramorxy 
[With an air of deep injury. 1 
Nay, Prince, I'm truly sorry that thy thoughts 
should be poisoned 'gainst mc. To reassure thee, 
I will myself partake of each and every morsel 
of food ere Your Highness touches any of it. 

[Advances, takes a flagon of wine and fills 
tzco cups, after handing torch to Bon- 

THUNE.] 

Let us begin with this rare Gascon wine. I 
warrant 'tis many a day since thou hast tasted 
aught so choice. 

[Taking up a cup himself and handing the 
second to the Prince.] 
Come, pledge me. 

[RoTHSAY, tvho has at first stretched out 
his hand eagerly to take cup, stops 
short, as he recalls himself.^ 

RoTHSAY 

[With a resolute effort.'] 
No, I will not drink with thee. 

Ramorky 

Where are thy manners, Rothsay? Dost refuse 
to pledge a friend? 

Prince 

Enough of this. We know each other. 
121 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Ramorny 

I see you still bear me ill will for the small part 
I was compelled to play in the clipping of thy 
wings. Yet, Prince, 'tis well known that the cage 
which confines the bird also wards off the fangs 
of the cat. Both my dread Lord of Albany and 
thy awful spouse have fangs of deadliest type. 

\^Movement on the part of Marjory.] 
But come, my Prince, the food waxes cold, and 
you needs must be hungry. Fall to — let's attack 
the viands. 

[^Sits on one of the stools and places other 

for ROTHSAY.] 

Prince 
Not until I know the real purpose of thy pres- 
ence here. 

Ramorny 
Ah, you were not wont to be so over-scrupulous 
in the past ; but since you'll have it so, I will e'en 
inform thee that I came hither to do thee a great 
service. 

Prince 
How.'' By putting an end to my miserable"^ life? 

Ramorny 
Nay, nay, my purpose is to prolong thy exist- 
ence, and to make it a continuous round of pleas- 
122 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

ure. Noble Prince, would it not please thee well 
to sail for fair Flanders, and there pass the bal- 
ance of thy days in eating, drinking, and making 
merry? 

Prince 

Be plain, man. What new villainy hast thou 
devised to practice on me? 

Ramorny 

Prince, I bear thee naught but good will and 
happiness at this moment. If, after the demise 
of thy royal father, thou shouldst agree to abdi- 
cate the crown to my Lord of Albany, the Duke 
will solemnly bind himself to give thee five thou- 
sand angels each year, until the end of thy days, 
more than is needed to supply all thy cumulative 
wants. The burdens of state are weighed down 
with care ; the crown is full of thorns ; a king, 
moreover, must live in loneliness apart from the 
rest of mankind, unless indeed he be provided, by 
the Fates with a " wife " to console him. 

[A movement on the part of ^Iarjory.] 

Now thou hast it in thy power to leave all these 
cares behind, together with thy " gentle " spouse, 
and enjoy peace and plenty until thy closing hour. 
Here's the compact all ready drawn up. 
[Hands parchment to him.l 
123 



PRIXCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Prince 

What ! Wouldst have me yield the crown to 
Albany? Sell my princely birthright for a mess 
of pottage? 

[^Crumpling up parchment and throwing 
it away.'\ 
No, no ! I shall live and die a Prince. 



Ramorny 

{^Rising. '\ 
That was ill done, Rothsay ; dost forget thou 
art completely in our power? 

[Ficli's up parchment. The blast of a horn 
is heard from without. Ramorny starts 
zip, listens for a moment.'] 
The Seneschal of the castle warns me that some 
one seeks admittance at the gate. 
[^To Prince.] 
Pray, pardon me the while till I discover the 
meaning hereof. 

^To his men.^ 
Follow me. 

l^All, with exception of Marjory, exeunt 

C. D. F.] 
[^The noise of holts being placed in posi- 
tion, etc.] 

124 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Marjory 

[After assuring herself that they are 
alone, approaches Prixce, speaking 
xvith compassion.^ 
Rothsay, thou needst have no fear to taste of 
this food ; 'twas with these hands prepared. 

Prince 

[In great surprise.'\ 
Marjor\'! How came you hither? 

Marjory 

The daughter of March chanced to be by the 
road as thou wert conveyed to Faulkland Castle, 
and apprised me of how they maltreated thee when 
they wrested from thy person a certain scroll im- 
plicating the Duke of Albany, so I set out in- 
stantly — and after many efforts gained access to 
thee through the Seneschal, whom I bribed. God 
bear me witness, I knew not where their vile plot 
was leading when I complained to the King of 
thine ill-usage. 

Prince 

So they made an instrument of thee wherewith 
to encompass my ruin. And yet hast thou not 
good cause to complain 'gainst me? Oh, I have 
wronged thee much ! 

125 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Marjory 

\^Who has been afraid that Prince bears 
resentment against her, now places her 
arms around him with great love and 
tenderness.^ 
Nay, nay, my beloved husband, 'tis I — 'tis I — 
should crave forgiveness from thee. Ah, would 
they had torn my tongue from its socket ere I 
was egged on to complain to thy father. Oh, 'tis 
my evil tongue that has undone us both — How- 
ever, we must not stand here idly prattling while 
thou dost starve. 

{^Bringing food over to him.^ 
Do partake of the food. 

Prince 

^Beginning to eat ravenously.^ 
In sooth — I — have — tasted — naught these two 
days. 

Marjory 

My poor, afflicted lord ! soon may we feast again 
at our own royal table. 

{^Helping him to food.'] 

The daughter of March vouchsafed to acquaint 
the King of thy sad plight, but I fear me she has 
proven false, else His Majesty hath sent forces 
hither to succor thee by this time. 

126 



PRINCE AXD PROFLIGATE 

Prixce 

Nay, Elizabeth of Dunbar could ne'er be false 
to me. Some unforeseen impediment must have 
delayed her. On her loyalty I could stake my life. 

Makjory 

[W^if^ suppressed anger. '\ 
Ah, I perceive thou still bearest love for that 
woman ! 

^Repressing herself.~\ 
But I will not quarrel with thee this day. Time 
will show who is truly loyal to thee. Ah, if we 
can only keep that villain Ramorny from doing 
thee harm for a brief period, I will myself fetch 
forces hither to set thee free. 

\^Bolts are heard to unbar.'] 

Prince 

Sh ! They return ! 

[INIarjory resumes her position of indif- 
ference near table as Ramorny, Bon- 
THUNE, Ritchie, Peter, Oliphant and 
Errol re-enter C. D. F.] 

Ramorny 

[Speaking as Tie comes forward.] 
Ah, I rejoice to behold thine altered mind in 
that thou art partaking of my hospitality. May 

127 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

I also be assured that thou hast thought better 
of it, and will sign the covenant with Albany. 

Prince 

I am determined not to barter away my princely 
state for any corrupting substitute. 

Ramorny 

I deplore to hear thy ill-advised resolution. In 
sooth, Prince, I would fain spare thee if I could 
safely do so. Answer me truly, what think you 
deserved the man who hath been instrumental in 
thy forcible imprisonment here.-* 

Prince 

He well deserves a hanging from the highest 
tower of the castle. 

Ramorny 

He! he! My head never aspired to so lofty a 
place. You perceive, Rothsay, 'tis thy life 'gainst 
mine now. Should you sign this piece of parch- 
ment — 

[Indicating it.'\ 
— we could with ease escape to Flanders on a ship 
hired for that purpose, and merrily pass our days 
on the gold supplied us by thine loving uncle. 
Should you decline, I'm ordered by the Duke to 
wring thy signature by force from thee. If, by 
128 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

chance, thou shouldst expire under our hands, the 
favor of my Lord of Albany is still assured us, as 
he cannot forget the emissaries that helped him to 
the throne. 

Prince 

Insolent villain ! Dost think to affright me 
with thy idle threats? 

Ramorny 

Those threats are far from idle, as thou shalt 
soon discover. 

[To his men.^ 
My worthy lads, bring forward yonder instru- 
ment. 

[^His men obey the order. ^ 
Perchance Your Highness will be more compli- 
ant when the screws are plied upon thy princely 
joints. 

Prince 

Thou wilt not — thou darest not employ that 
instrument of torture on Scotland's Prince. 

Ramorny 

I'm forced to it by thine own obstinacy. The 
Duke must be obeyed. Yet will I take it upon 
myself to postpone this ordeal for thee, if thou 
wilt indite a letter to the King, assuring him of 
thy present safety and comfort. 

129 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Prince 

Ah ! so it hath reached thine ears that the King 
hath become restless as to my well-being? 

Ramorny 

E'en so, I've been informed of it by the Duke's 
messenger, that my Lord of Albany has much 
trouble in keeping the King in ignorance of our 
plans. We are therefore forced to employ greater 
dispatch. How now, wilt sign this compact, or 
indite a letter to the King.'* 

Prince 

What a fool would I be to allay any anxiety 
the King has for my welfare. 

Ramoeny 

Since thou wilt not be persuaded, there is 
naught left but a trial of force. 
[To his men.^ 
Secure him ! 

l^The men advance to execute the order, 
but are at a loss how to begin.^ 

ROTHSAY 

[Drawirig back\'\ 
These men will not lay hands upon their Prince. 
[^The men stop, hesitating.^ 
130 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Sir John 

Prince? Quotha, thou art naught but a help- 
less prisoner, and will do well to remember that 
'tis folly for one unarmed man to resist an armed 
score. 

ROTHSAY 

Thinkest thou the heir of Bruce will yield 
calmly to a recreant like thee? No, not if thou 
had all the caitiffs in the kingdom at thy beck 
and call. 

Ramorny 

Thy brave words will not avail thee here. 

\_To his men-l 
Onward! onward! Lads, seize him and bind 
him. 

Peter 
{^Advancing. 1 
Come, sir ! Come ! Resign thyself ! 

[The others also advance upon Aim.] 

Prince 

Back ! Stand off, ingrates ! Back, I say ! 
[il/^w stop short.'\ 

Ramorny 

[To his men.~\ 
Remember, friends, if we fail to force compli- 
ance, we ourselves must die. 

131 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Peter 

Aye, 'tis his life 'gainst ours. Come, let us 
make an end of it. 

The Men 

[Advancing upon /liw.] 
Aye, aye ! Come, let us end it ! 

l^They are about to close in with the 
Prince when Marjory, who has been 
restraining herself with difficulty during 
the last part of the foregoing, advances 
between them.'\ 

Marjory 

Stand off ! Forbear ! You shall do no harm to 
the Prince. 

Sir John 

Why, whom have we here? In faith, he is a 
woman, and a pretty one to boot. 

[IMarjory puts her cloak- about her, which 
has partly fallen off during the fore- 
going.] 
And so thou wouldst defend him from us. Fair 
mistress, thou shalt thyself need all the protec- 
tion thou canst muster presently. Meanwhile, 
thou hadst had better stand aside, and not meddle 
with us. 

132 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Marjory 
Nay, I shall not stir from my husband's side. 
Mercy, Sir John, have mercy! 'Tis I — Marjory, 
the daughter of Douglas — who entreats thee to 
spare the life of her lord. 

Ramorny 

Fair lady, I dare not disobey my Lord of Al- 
bany. 

Marjory 

But, my good Sir John, he was thy true com- 
panion, generous patron. 

[Sir John makes an impatient gesture, 
and turns half axcay.'l 
Nay, do let me plead with thee — 

Rothsay 
[Unable to restrain his feelings any 
longer, bursts forth.^ 
No ! By all the furies, no ! The wife of Scot- 
land's Prince shall not plead to this miserable 
Judas, this — base — ungrateful dog — 

Ramorny 
[Angrily.] 
Thou wilt find. Sir Prince, this dog hath sharp 
teeth. 

[To his men.] 
Remove her ! Put her aside ! 

133 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Peter 
[^Advances to take hold of her.'\ 
Come, now, my Lady. 

ROTHSAY 

Forbear ! Venture not so much as approach 
the Duchess of Rothsay. She shall go hence at 
her own free will, as she came. 
\_To Marjory.] 
Wife, you but endanger my life here, and haply 
may be of service when at liberty. Go ! I beseech 
thee. 

Marjory 

lAfter a slight pause.'\ 
I will obey thee, my Lord. 

\_To Sir John.] 

Remember, he is thy lawful Prince, and direst 

punishment awaits all who injures as much as a 

hair of his royal head. — Fare thee well, husband. 

[^Embraces him, then tears herself away 

and exits upstairs C. D. F.] 

Ramorny 
[With a derisive chuckle.'] 
A very loving and dutiful spouse — ^but I war- 
rant she shall bear no tales until we can safely 
leave the country. Meanwhile I must bestow her 
securely. 

[Goes up as if to exit C. D. F.] 
134 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Prince 

[^Getting in his way at stairs.l 
Back! Suffer her to depart in peace. 

Ramorny 

Dost thou deem me a fool, Rothsay? Let me 
pass ! Come, come, give way ! 

[^Takes hold of Prince as if to put him 
aside.Jl 

Prince 

\_In rage disengages himself from Ramor- 
ny, and in so doing strikes him.^ 
Dastard! Dare not lay thy polluted hands 
on me. 

Ramorny 

l^With a cry of rage.^ 
Ah! for this you shall die. 

\^To his men.^ 
Bring him away from that door — If the lady 
escapes, we are lost. 

[The men advance upon Prince, murmur- 
ing angrily. '\ 

Prince 

[Throwing off Peter, who is about to 
close in with him.l^ 
Back, back, if you value your life ! 

[Thcji retreats up steps C. D. F.] 
135 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Ramorny 

After him ! After him ! 

Peter 

[Who has reeled from blow during the 
foregoing, rushes up C. D. F.] 
He dies, he dies, for that ! 

[The other men follow, calling out, " Kill 
—kill him! "] 

Ramorny 

[At C. D. F., looking upstairs.l 
Onward ! onward ! Ah, lay hold of him ! Secure 
him ! Quick ! Now, down with him ! Strangle 
him if he continues to resist ! 

[Noise of struggle off C, followed by 
silence, then:'\ 

Marjory 

[Is heard to scream off C, then .'I 
Ah ! Cowards ! Assassins ! Oh, villainy ! vil- 
lainy ! 

Ramorny 

Bring him back ! Back, this way ! Keep that 
she-wolf from him ! 

136 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Marjory 

[Heard from without as they approach.'] 
Unhand me, foul murderers ! Let me go ! Oh ! 
[BoNTHUNE, Oliphant, and Errol enter, 
carrying the Prince between them. 
Peter and Ritchie enter with Marjory 
between them. All bear signs of the 
struggle which they have undergone.] 

Marjory 
[Weeping, etc., as they enter.] 
Oh, my lord, my husband! Murdered! Mur- 
dered ! 

Bonthune 

Curse him ! he hath torn out a handful of my 
hair. 

[They put Prince down on straw pal- 
ette.] 

Oliphant 
'Tis a foul piece of work! Would that I had 
no hand in it. 

Ramorny 

Hold thy peace ! We must now make ready to 
depart the country forthwith. 

[Noise of approaching soldiers is heard 
from without R. C. during the fore- 
going, and now the blast of a horn is 
heard. All stop, listening in alarm.] 
137 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Peter 

God 'a' mercy ! 'Tis the signal of Dunbar ! 
[Ramorny starts and clenches his fists. 
The other men begin to tremble.'\ 

Marjory 
Vengeance! Oh, vengeance for my Lord! 

Ramorny 

Silence, or the same measure shall be meted out 
to thee. Quick, men, remove the fetters from his 
feet. Lay him straight on the palette. Fortu- 
nately, all marks of violence are absent. We may 
escape yet. 

l^The men proceed to execute these orders, 
when loud knocking, cries, clashing of 
arms, etc., are heard off L.] 

Ramorny 

iLooking off from window, starts back m 
consternation.^ 
'Sblood ! They assail our gate ! 

Men 

Oh, we are lost ! We are lost ! There is no 



escape ! 



\^Start trembling, wringing their hands, 
etc-l 

138 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Ramokny 

\^Drawing his sword.'\ 
Quick! Look to your steel! We'll defend our- 
selves to the last ! This way ! 

\^Rushes up C. D. F., followed by Bon- 
THUNE, Errol, and Oliphant, who also 
draw swords.^ 

Peter 

[^To Marjory, whom he is holding.^ 
Come, come, lady, you must away with us. 

Marjory 

Nay, I will not, I shall not stir from here, 
though ye murder me as ye have my beloved hus- 
band. Ah, would ye did ! In charity, kill me, 
kill me too, for I cannot live without him. 

Peter 

I might have done Your Ladyship so much 
grace, if the Dunbar were not thundering at our 
gates. The dread Earl of Dunbar might mis- 
construe my charity to thee, and vent his ven- 
geance upon my innocent head. Therefore will I 
report thy mind to Sir John, who may do as he 
lists. 

[They let her go and exeunt rapidly C. 
D. F.] 

139 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Marjory 

[Throwing herself down beside Prince.] 
Ah, Rothsay, my husband! 

\_Raising him in her arms.'] 
Dead ! Dead ! 

[Rothsay half opens his eyes.] 
Ah, he lives ! My beloved husband lives ! 

Rothsay 

[Very faintly.] 
I fear, Marjory, 'tis but — for a short while. 

Marjory 
Don't say that, my dearest husband ; you must 
not, you shall not die. The Dunbar and his men 
are at the gate. You shall soon be set free. 

[Noise from without R. (clashing of steel, 
knocking at gate, etc.) increases.] 

Rothsay 
[Trying to rise.] 
How.'' Dares that villain Ramorny oppose the 
mighty Earl of March.'' 

Marjory 
Pray be calm, do be calm, my Lord. 

[A loud crash is heard from without, fol- 
lowed by shouting.] 
Ah ! They have forced the gates ! We shall 
soon be delivered. 

140 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

ROTHSAY 

Aje, soon will I be delivered from all earthly 
pain. 

Marjory 

Nay, Rothsay, live, live for thy wife, who loves 
thee far better than herself. 

Rothsay 
But I feel so weak — so weak! 
[^Falls back.'l 

Marjory 
My God, he is fainting ! Rothsay — my hus- 
band ! Oh, for a leech ! 

Rothsay 
l^Faintly, as he opens his eyes.l 
Marjory, 'tis of no avail — I am beyond — the 
good or evil — of a leech. 

Marjory 
Nay, nay ! You must — you shall live ! 

Prince 
Ah, comfort thee — wife ! 

Marjory 

Nay, I cannot. I can never know comfort more 
if thou dost not regain thy strength. 
141 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Prince 

[His voice growing weaker J] 
Would that I could live on ! But my powers 
are waning fast, despite me. Oh ! 

[Catches at his palate and falls hack in a 
faint. 1 

Marjory 

Help ! help ! My husband is dying ! Oh, Roth- 
say, my love — my lord — my life ! Oh, God ! it 
would be too cruel — too cruel ! 

[Throws herself near his body, sobbing.'\ 
[Elizabeth appears at C. D. F., attended 

by the Laird of Glencove.] 
[Murm2irs, clashing of arms, etc., heard 
faintly at a distance upon door being 
opened.^ 

Elizabeth 

[Speaking as they enter C. D. F.] 
Whence came that cry for help? 

Laird of Glencove 
This might be the dungeon of the Prince. 

Marjory 

Husband, husband! Do not — do not leave me 
to distraction ! Oh, I will not — I will not survive 
thee! 

142 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Elizabeth 

[Starts back, choking; gasps for air, then, 
with a cry, throws herself down beside 
him-l 
Oh, Prince ! INIy Prince ! 

ROTHSAY 

[Opening his eyes, stares at her for a 
moment, then a smile overspreads his 
features.^ 
Is — this — real? Ehzabeth by my side? 

[Then, seeing the Laird of Glencove, 
who is in deep anguish.^ 
What? An' thou, too — old friend? 

Laird of Glencove 

Yea, my Prince. The King banished Albany 
from his sight after the Earl of March reached 
Court, and dispatched that noble man and myself 
to succor thee. We have but now secured that 
villain Ramorny and his followers, whom Your 
Highness shall see shortly tried before the Jet- 
wood men. 

Prince 

[Speaking with difficidty.l 
Nay, ere then I myself shall appear before the 
high tribunal where all are judged. 
143 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Makjory 
[Sobhing.l 
Ah, don't, don't — my beloved husband ! Oh — 

Elizabeth 

\^With suppressed sobs, clenches her hands 
in anguish for a few moments, looks up 
to heaven as if in prayer. 'I 
Oh, merciful powers ! 

[The Laird of Glencove, who has re- 
moved his bonnet during the foregoing, 
tears it in his anguish, and throws it 
down.'] 

[Ray of sunshine from window R. 3. E. 
illumines Prince.] 

ROTHSAY 

[With shining eyes, his voice failing grad- 
ually.] 
Faithful — friends — weep not — for me! All in 
life must pass into death. Why should we be 
loath to leave this world — of — selfish struggle? 
Oh, these useless pangs, that have been — tearing 
— my heart — 'Tis best so. Farewell, dear true 
hearts — until we meet — again — in a — brighter 
clime. 

[With pensive joy.] 
144 



PRINCE AND PROFLIGATE 

Ah! — a great calm — is coming over me. I — ^I 
am — g-going to — rest — eter-nal — r-rest ! 
[Falls back in death.] 

[Laird of Glencove bows his head in 
deep grief, working his eyelids to re- 
press his tears. Marjory wrings her 
hands in silent anguish. Elizabeth 
stands motionless and awe-struck.] 

Curtain 



145 



JAN 7 190P 






Qrtme anti flrotltgate 



¥ granft ^, granfelin 



^ 



